Tons of Medical Supplies Arrive in Greece from China

March 23 (EIRNS)—Several tons of medical supplies arrived in Greece from China on March 21, including 550,000 medical masks, surgical masks, protective gear, goggles, gloves, and shoe covers. In addition to supplies from the Chinese government, there are also supplies donated by Chinese enterprises and organizations. The Chinese aircraft arrived at Athens airport, where Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zhang Qiyue handed over the list of the medical supplies to Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

Expressing gratitude, Kikilias said: “During a global shortage of these goods and an immense battle waged by the Health Ministry in order to secure supplies, this today is a great relief, and we will continue to fight in order to equip our hospitals. It is very significant that we have this cooperation with China, and it is providing this assistance that we need.” He observed that Greece itself cannot manufacture enough of this equipment.

Ambassador Zhang thanked the Greek government for its strong support for China in the course of China’s fight against COVID-19, as evidenced by letters by Greece’s former President Prokopios Pavlopoulos and by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ambassador Zhang also commended as early and forceful the Greek government efforts and measures against the pandemic.

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, in a discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on March 20, expressed Athens’ unbounded support for the Chinese people and thanked him for the medical supplies assistance from Beijing.