Jubilations as Chinese medical ship docks at Kenya
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Jubilations as Chinese medical ship docks at Kenya |
There was cheers and jubilations in Kenyan port of Mombasa on Wednesday after the long awaited Peace Ark Hospital Ship from China sailed its way through the port.
The ship made its voyage at exactly 0800GMT and was welcomed by hundreds of Chinese and Kenyans including dignitaries, who were waving flags and singing as the vessel finally arrived at the Wharf just next to Likoni ferry crossing channel.
The ship, having 428 soldiers, officers and medical workers aboard, is scheduled to be in Mombasa for the next four days with the crew offering free medical services including diagnosis and treatment at the Kenya Red Cross Unit.
The East African nation is the second leg of the trip of Peace Ark. The ship visited Djibouti late last month.
With full-load displacement of 14,300 tons, Peace Ark is the first hospital ship in the world with over a 10,000-ton capacity.
The ship is equipped with a rescue helicopter, 300 hospital beds, 428 medical doctors, nurses and supporting staff, 32 medical departments including ICU, emergency treatment, internal medicine, surgery, respiratory, ophthalmology, neurology, dermatology, radiology, blood transfusion, traditional Chinese treatment etc.
Jubilant residents carrying Chinese and Kenyan flags waited for the ship from the Mana Ngina Drive and as soon as the ship alert was issued over its arrival, they burst into joy and songs.
Some of those in the team will tour various schools and make donations including health supplies, stationery and sports goods, while the medical staff aboard will also carry out professional exchanges with their Kenyan counterparts in the vessel.
Kenyan medical personnel are also set to receive training and take part on in the diagnosis and treatment, while the servicemen will also receive physical examination.
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan said that the visit of the Peace Ark is another milestone in the history of China and Kenya relationship.
"Six hundred years ago, the biggest ship in the world from China visited the Coast and brought porcelain to Kenya, 600 years later, Peace Ark is here as an emissary of friendship, and presents the sincere wishes of Chinese people on peace, friendship, humanity and cooperation," Liu said.
The ambassador noted that the bilateral ties between China and Kenya have enjoyed steady growth in the spirit of mutual respect and equality since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations 47 years ago.
Liu said China is committed to supporting Kenya's social economic development, and strengthening the bilateral exchanges and cooperation on trade, infrastructure, energy, medical service, culture, education, technology, tourism, among other areas.
Commander of the ship Rear Admiral Bao Yuping noted that Peace Ark's visit to five Asian and African nations including Kenya will ensure the provision of medical care to locals, troops, and conduct medical exchange for purpose of carrying forward the international humanitarianism and promote cooperation with the five navies.
The ship's captain was presented with a certificate to mark the occasion of the vessel's visit.
The Kenyan government has welcomed senior officials, military officers and soldiers, journalists and local citizens to visit the ship and take physical examinations aboard.
The visit by the Chinese Peace Vessel to Kenya is another important gesture signifying the cordial relationship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
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