The government of China has donated a sea ambulance to the government of Maldives.
The sea ambulance, handed over by the head of Chinese delegation in Maldives Lieutenant Colonel Chen Xiao, was received by Minister of State for Defence and National Security Mohamed Zuhair. The sea ambulance was gifted as part of the agreement between Maldives and China during the visit of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to China in 2015 upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Mohamed Zuhair spoke on the strong time-tested relationship between China and Maldives, noting the special importance given by the Chinese government towards the development of the health sector of Maldives. The state minister thanked the Chinese government on the generous donation, highlighting the vessel with ease the transportation of patients to nearby islands with better health facilities. Maldives National Defence Force attended over 10,000 cases of medical assistance via air and sea transportations, in the past four years, revealed Zuhair.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of China to Maldives Zhang Lizhong assured China will continue assisting Maldives in its development, highlighting the established relationship between the two countries. China will also provide expert technical assistance for the sea ambulance donated to Maldives, added the ambassador.
25 sea ambulances are currently in operation in Maldives, according to statistics.