China's new naval hospital ship, Ark Silk Road, arrived in Nuku’alofa this week to provide free medical services for Tonga.
The ship carries more than 400 medical and naval personnel including a team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
Over the next few days, the team will offer free medical services, consultations, surgeries, and health trainings.
China’s Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr. Liu Weimin said that this marks the ship’s third stop in its Mission Harmony 2025 after departing Fiji.
Mission Harmony 2025 is a humanitarian movement to provide medical services directly to countries in the South Pacific and Latin America.
“It is a voyage of goodwill, compassion, and shared purpose, bringing with it not only advanced medical expertise, but also the warm friendship and sincere aspiration of the Chinese people” he said.
“More than that, it is a vivid expression of a principle China holds dear, the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
The Tongan and Chinese communities welcomed China’s new navy hospital ship to Tonga on 13 October 205, with cultural performances and songs.
Among government high officials who attended the welcoming ceremony was Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Taniela Fusimalohi.
He thanked the Chinese Government for sending the hospital ship, Ark Silk Road, to provide direct and free medical services for the people of Tonga.
