On December 2, Guo Wei, Head of the Office of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Palestine Signed the Handover Certificate of Anti COVID-19 Epidemic Goods and Supplies with Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and delivered a speech. The full text is as follows:
Honourable Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA,
Dear Friends,
Good Afternoon！
Due to the current epidemic situation, we jointly hold the signing ceremony of the handover certificate between The Chinese Government and UNRWA on the Provision of Anti COVID-19 Epidemic Goods and Supplies via this special video connection. First of all, on behalf of the Office of The People’s Republic of China to the State of Palestine, I would like to render thanks to Mr. Lazzarini and the friends from UNRWA, for more than 70 years, UNRWA has continuously provided education, medical care, relief, housing and social services to Palestine refugees in the Middle East. Particularly since the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic, UNRWA has done a great deal of effective work to curb the spread of the corona-virus in the refugee camps while continuing to provide traditional services and has produced good results which is highly appreciated by China . Not long ago, a batch of anti-epidemic supplies provided by the Chinese government to UNRWA’s health centers and health packages through UNRWA to Palestine refugees in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria have been delivered, China is deeply grateful for UNRWA’s kind cooperation and coordination efforts.
This aid operation of China aims at implementing principles of President Xi Jinping's remarks at the World Health Assembly, the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 Leaders' Summit:
First, building a global community of health for all. As we speak, Corona-virus is still wreaking havoc across the world, posing a grave threat to life and well-being of people in Palestine and other countries. China put people’s life and health first, and advocates that solidarity and cooperation is the most powerful weapon to defeat COVID-19 epidemic, calls on all parties to support World Health Organization’s crucial leadership role, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with UNRWA and other relevant United Nations bodies to jointly build a global firewall against COVID-19.
Second, upholding and practicing multilateralism. China firmly supports the UN’s authority and standing, follows the purposes and principles of its Charter, upholds the international order underpinned by international law, supports the UN in more effectively building global consensus, mobilizing global resources and coordinating global actions, and calls on the international community to provide more support to Palestine through UNRWA and other channels.
Third, helping developing countries overcome the hardships. President Xi Jinping has pointed out in his message of congratulations to the special commemorative meeting in observance of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that the Palestinian question lies at the very root of the Middle East question, China has supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights and supported all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. During the epidemic, China has sent multiple batches of assistance to Palestine to help the Palestinian people overcome the current difficulties. China is willing to continue to work with UNRWA and other relevant parties to help where we can.
As a good friend of Palestine, China has always valued the cooperation with UNRWA, and will continue to support UNRWA's work, providing assistance to Palestine in its fight against the epidemic, improving people's livelihood and promoting development to make positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the Middle East.
Thank you very much!