DPM Maelanga greets China’s Peace Ark, says it brings message of peace and hope
ARK PEACE – the largest in China’s Navy Hospital Ship fleet – has begun conducting free medical clinics in communities in Honiara, following its arrival last Saturday.
Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, officially welcomed the visit at a ceremony at Berth No. 2, Point Cruz wharf. He described Peace Ark as “a beacon of hope, a vessel of healing and a bridge that connects our nations in the spirit of peace.”
“Let us use this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a world of harmony and collaboration. May the Peace Ark continue as a beacon of hope, a vessel of healing and a bridge that connects our nations in the spirit of peace,” Mr Maelanga told the crowd of mostly members of the Chinese community and the flag-waving children from the Chung Wah School.
Precision marked the berthing of Ark Peace at the Point Cruz overseas wharf. At exactly 10am, the ship berthed at the wharf to the applause of the crowd. Later, the national anthems of China and Solomon Islands were played by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force police band.
Two government officials, including a senior police officer arrived well after the PRC Ambassador, Li Ming, had concluded his speech.
In his remarks, Ambassador Li Ming, told the crowd that the visit of the Ark Peace is “of historic significance.”
“It manifests not only the deepening of our political mutual trust, but also an elevation of cooperation and exchange between the two countries.”
Rear Admiral, Zhao Guangqing, also spoke at the ceremony. He described the visit of Ark Peace as “an epitome of the friendship between China and Solomon Islands.”
“The Ark Peace is acclaimed as the ship of peace, ship of life, ship of friendship and ship of culture, enjoying widespread reputation around the world. Since entering service in December 2008, she has carried out Mission Harmony” for 9 times, paid 65 port calls to 45 countries and regions, administered more than 260,000 treatments and performed nearly 1,600 surgeries.
“On behalf of all the officers and men onboard the Ark Peace, … I want to pay our highest tribute to honorable deputy prime minister and cordial people in Solomon Islands. And we want to pay our most sincere gratitude to Chinese embassy, Chinese enterprises and institutions, overseas Chinese and China-sent medical team in Solomon Islands,” Rear Admiral Zhao said.
For this visit, we’ve brought the first-class seaborne platform. Ark Peace the hospital ship, with a full-load displacement of 14,300 tons, is developed and built independently by China.
For this visit, we’ve brought first-class equipment and apparatus. The 4000-square meter medical area of our seaborne hospital contains 8 operating theatres, 226 beds,
250 types, and altogether 2, 030 pieces or sets of medical apparatus, 10 lifeboats and 1 ambulance helicopter. They are providing solid hardware support to our medical services.
For this visit, we will provide first-class medical services.
‘In the following 7 days, apart from our main medical platform open to local patients, we will send medical teams to churches, communities and school, and also send ambulance helicopter to other islands, to provide medical consultation and treatment, give health lectures and conduct cultural exchange activities.
“I hope we can relieve pains and sufferings and bring health to people in Solomon Islands. Of course, our medical services, including medications and surgeries, are totally free of charge.
“The visit of Ark Peace is an epitome of the friendship between China and Solomon Islands. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the bilateral relation has made strides forward, standing at the forefront of China’s relations with pacific island countries and has been upgraded to comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era,” Rear Admiral Zhao said.
By Alfred Sasako
