Libyan diplomat praises medical aid from China

Wang Qimin (L), the Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Libya, and Khalifa al-Azzabi, the Charge d'Affaires of the Libyan embassy in Tunisia, attend a handover ceremony of medical aid from China in Tunis, Tunisia, June 11, 2020. Khalifa al-Azzabi on Thursday praises the medical aid from China. The medical aid arrived at Tunisia's Tunis-Carthage International Airport on Wednesday and is expected to be transported to Libya in a few days. (Chinese Embassy in Libya/Handout via Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The charge d'affaires of the Libyan embassy in Tunisia on Thursday praises the medical aid from China.

"Wang Qimin, the Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Libya handed over a letter of medical aid from China to Khalifa al-Azzabi, the Charge d'Affaires of the Libyan embassy in Tunisia," the Chinese embassy said in a statement.

Al-Azzabi expressed high appreciation for the historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as sincere gratitude for the medical assistance that China has provided to Libya since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Libyan diplomat also praised China's efforts to fight the virus, pointing out that the pandemic "still poses a common challenge for the whole world that requires solidarity from all countries."

"China is following up the situation of the pandemic in Libya and supports the decisive and strict measures Libya is taking," Wang said, expressing Beijing's willingness to "continue to provide assistance to the Libyan people."

The medical aid arrived at Tunisia's Tunis-Carthage International Airport on Wednesday and is expected to be transported to Libya in a few days.

According to Libya's National Center for Disease Control, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country so far hit 378, including 59 recoveries and five deaths.

Libyan authorities have taken a series of measures against the virus, which include closing the country's borders, closing schools and mosques, banning public gatherings, and imposing curfew.