NNA - The Higher Relief Committee announced on Monday in a statement that two shipments arrived at Beirut Port, carrying 650 tons of Chinese humanitarian, food, and relief aid.

The delivery ceremony at the Beirut Port took place in the presence of Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Al-Sayed, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Chen Chuandong, the Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Committee, Brigadier General Bassam Naboulsi, and Chairman of the Board and Director General of Beirut Port, Marwan Al-Naffi.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Committee welcomed the Chinese Ambassador, saying today’s initiative reflects the depth of the friendship and cooperation between the Lebanese Republic and the People's Republic of China.

Naboulsi said: "Your esteemed presence today, on the occasion of presenting this donation of relief aid, carries the highest meanings of humanitarian solidarity. It affirms the People's Republic of China's support for Lebanon in these challenging times and its commitment to assisting its people and alleviating their suffering. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude, on behalf of the Lebanese Republic and the Higher Relief Committee, for this generous initiative, which reflects the deep relations between our two countries and serves as a crucial support for the ongoing relief efforts to assist those in need and the affected."

He added: "We highly appreciate this sincere gesture, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening the bonds of cooperation for the benefit of our two countries and our friendly peoples."

For his part, the Chinese Ambassador said: "In light of the ongoing conflict and the losses and displacement it has caused in Lebanon, China reaffirms its full solidarity with the Lebanese people as a partner and friend, based on its belief in the human community and shared destiny."

Ambassador Chuandong added: "It has been decided to provide humanitarian aid, including various relief materials, which arrived via two shipments from China and Egypt, totaling more than one thousand tons of tents, blankets, mattresses, food, and medical supplies, in a clear manifestation of the friendship between the two countries."

The Chinese Ambassador continued, "China reaffirms its support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and unity, and hopes that the efforts of the Lebanese government, its people, and the international community will contribute to restoring stability and peace. We also thank the concerned Lebanese authorities for their cooperation and commend the role of the companies executing the relief projects."

The Minister of Social Affairs, in turn, said: "Today, we are at the Port of Beirut to receive two shipments of humanitarian aid provided by the People's Republic of China, totaling 650 tons of relief and food materials."

Minister al-Sayed added: "On behalf of the Lebanese government, we extend our thanks to the People's Republic of China, both the government and the people, for this solidarity initiative and for standing by Lebanon during this difficult period."

Al-Sayed continued: "These aids will be distributed through the Higher Relief Committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, as part of the national response framework, ensuring they reach the most needy in an organized and transparent manner. I also extend my thanks to the Higher Relief Committee and all the teams working on the ground for their efforts in receiving, coordinating, and distributing the aid."

The Minister concluded: "Lebanon values the support of its friends, and this shipment is an important message of solidarity from China to the Lebanese people during these critical times."