THE first batch of aid food from China was distributed at Dordabis in the Khomas region on Wednesday.
Namibia has been suffering from droughts in recent years, with farming output decreasing and the people’s lives affected, and the Chinese people empathise, Chinese ambassador to Namibia Qiu Xuejun said while attending the food distribution ceremony.
Being a good friend, partner and brother of Namibia, China would like to offer help and stand by the Namibian government and people, the ambassador noted.
During the visit of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to Namibia at the beginning of 2016, China announced food aid of 4 000 tonnes of rice to Namibia. The first batch of 500 tonnes of rice arrived in Namibia in December, and the second batch of 1 500 tonnes will arrive soon.
“The Chinese embassy will continue to work with the Namibian government in the reception and distribution of the food aid. This food aid embodies the Chinese people’s friendship and solidarity with the Namibian people, and we hope the donation will help in reducing the adverse effects caused by the drought to some degree.” Qiu said.
The Namibian officials and the beneficiaries among the villagers expressed their appreciation to the Chinese government and people, and said this aid was timely and would definitely help relieve the food shortages.
“I’m very glad to have China aid food; we are fortunate, we appreciate it”, said Morliga Rooi, a Dordabis community member.
The villagers reiterated that they will make good use of the aid, and will in the meantime try their best to produce food by themselves.
– Nampa-Xinhua
