By Lou Sijia and Liu Zhilei
On July 16 local time, the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark on Mission Harmony-2024 arrives at the port of Dar es Salaam , Tanzania. (Photo by Gui Xinhua)
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, July 17 -- On July 16 local time, the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark arrived at the port of Das es Salaam, Tanzania, its second stop of Mission Harmony 2024. During its seven-day goodwill visit, it would provide free medical services to local residents.
Around 10 a.m. that day, the hospital ship Peace Ark docked at the port of Dar es Salaam, where it was greeted with a grand traditional welcome ceremony held by the Tanzanian side. The ceremony was attended by Tanzanian military and political officials, including Chief of Medical Services of the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) Major General Amri Mwami, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, Chinese embassy staff, local people, overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese-funded institutions.
This is the third time for the Peace Ark to visit Tanzania. During this visit, the Peace Ark will offer diagnosis and treatment services on its main platform. Meanwhile, more than ten medical teams will be dispatched to local hospitals, communities, and schools for medical tours. Medical staff from the two sides will jointly engage in diagnosis and treatment, academic exchanges, and health services. In addition, the commander of the Mission Harmony-2024 will meet with Tanzanian military and political officials and visit Tanzanian naval bases and medical institutions.
The Chinese hospital ship Peace Ark previously visited Tanzania in 2010 and 2017, providing medical services on both occasions. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania. The ships visit will further consolidate the traditional friendship between the two sides and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
The photo shows the welcome ceremony. (Photo by Liu Zhilei)
The photo shows the welcome ceremony. (Photo by Liu Zhilei)