Dr. Hamad Discusses Strengthening Cooperation & Supporting Humanitarian & Development Efforts
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, received H.E. Sun Chen, the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand partnerships in projects and programmes that support the Palestinian Government's efforts and address the needs of citizens in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Dr. Hamad welcomed the Chinese Ambassador on the occasion of assuming his new duties in the State of Palestine and wished him success in his mission. She emphasized the deep-rooted historical and close relations between Palestine and the People's Republic of China, as well as the longstanding relationship between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and China. She highlighted China's consistent support for the Palestinian people and their rights over the years, alongside its continued cooperation and assistance to the State of Palestine.
Dr. Hamad expressed her appreciation for the Chinese President's initiative to provide USD 100 million in support for the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian Government to direct this assistance towards urgent humanitarian needs, particularly as winter approaches. She highlighted the need to provide shelter materials, tents, winter clothing, and other essential supplies to affected and displaced families.
Dr. Hamad affirmed that the Palestinian Government, through the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs, and its various institutions, continues to provide services and assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip despite the difficult humanitarian conditions. She stressed the importance of channelling support through the Palestinian Government and coordinating efforts with it to ensure that assistance responds to the actual needs of citizens.
She also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the People's Republic of China in implementing and supporting humanitarian and development projects and programmes, and expanding areas of partnership to support the Ministry's work and services. She highlighted the importance of continued Chinese support for the State of Palestine and of enabling Palestinian institutions to fulfil their responsibilities and continue serving citizens.
Dr. Hamad further stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian Government's efforts in the West Bank, in light of the difficult conditions facing citizens as a result of ongoing Israeli attacks and violations, including settler attacks, and the resulting increase in humanitarian and social needs.
For his part, Ambassador Sun Chen reaffirmed the strong relations between the People's Republic of China and the State of Palestine, as well as his country's continued support for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Government. He emphasized China's commitment to maintaining its assistance and strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian and development projects and programmes, to serve citizens and further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries.