Distinguished Mr. Lino de Jesus Torezão, Vice Minister of State Administration,

Distinguished Mr. Abel Pires da Silva, Chair of Commission E, National Parliament,

Distinguished Mr. Adriano do Nascimento, member of the Parliament,

Distinguished Mr. Alexandrinho Cardoso Da Cruz, member of the Parliament,

Distinguished Francisco de Andrade, Administrator of Cova Lima District,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends:

It is a great honor for me to host the ceremony. Today upon the urgent request of the Timorese side, the Chinese Embassy donates 40,000 face masks to Cova Lima District through Ministry of State Administration. I'm glad that the Embassy can play a role in curbing the spread of  COVID-19 in the remote border areas in Timor-Leste.

Now tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is still an imminent task for the whole world. China has launched the largest global emergency humanitarian operation in the history, providing PPE assistance to more than 150 countries and 10 international organizations. China has provided vaccine assistance to more than 50 developing countries. China has also provided financial assistance to World Health Organization and  actively participated in COVAX plan, offering 10 million doses of vaccine, In short, in the spirit of building of a global community of health for all, China is working hard to contribute to the early global victory of the pandemic.

Looking back to 2020, cooperation between China and Timor-Leste in fighting COVID-19 pandemic is an important engine for the development of bilateral relations. At the height of our battle with the COVID-19 , President, Prime Minister, National Parliament of Timor-Leste expressed their solidarity and support to China. In return, when the epidemic broke out in Timor-Leste, China extended support to its best to Timor-Leste and was the first country to lend a helping hand and was the first country to deliver medical supplies by chartered flights. Up to now, it is estimated that China has donated the largest number of face masks to Timor-Leste, on average, each of the Timorese gets one face mask from China.  

Recently, the number of imported cases in Timor-Leste is rapidly increasing, it is reported that there has been cluster cases, possibly triggering a more serious community transmission, the epidemic prevention and control in Timor-Leste is facing the second wave of severe challenges, the state emergency is extended and Cova Lima is put under lockdown. Cova Lima borders Indonesia o the west, therefore having a vital role in preventing imported cases. Due to the long land border line, the prevention and control of the pandemic's intrusion into Cova Lima is currently under a heavy pressure. Two years ago, I travelled once to Cova Lima and visited Suai City. I'm impressed by its splendid landscape. There is a proverb saying: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Today's donation is a testimony to the strong friendship between our two peoples and a manifestation of China's commitment  to help Timor-Leste. I believe the donation will help Cova Lima to counter COVID-19, and I also believe that with the concerted efforts from all sectors, Cova Lima will reopen soon.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that, in the fight against Covid-19, China will stand with the people and government of Timor-Leste, continue our help and push forward the bilateral cooperation further. China would also like to contribute to the economic recovery of Timor-Leste and help Timorese back into a normal life. Let's join hands together for the health and safety of Timor-Leste and its people, for the long lasting friendship between our two countries.

Thank you.