Chinese hospital ship to strengthen bilateral relations: Motshekga

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga says the presence of a Chinese hospital ship, the Peace Ark, on local shores will help to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The vessel docked in Cape Town to offer comprehensive medical services.

The outreach programme by the Chinese army is in partnership with the South African Military Health Services, Navy and the Western Cape Department of Health.

The aim is to assist people that might not readily have access to medical care, including people living on the streets and in shelters.

Motshekga says Chinese and South African doctors from the army’s Military Health Services are participating in the programme.

“The mission was two pronged, firstly, it’s the Chinese mission to provide health services around the need. As a country it would have come very handy as you can see flocks of our people have come and many have already had surgeries which is really a good service but it’s also about our friendship with China. It’s about strengthening our friendship as people to people, party relations and solidarity as well as strengthening our relations as the defence force.”

Part 01 || The #SAMilitaryHealthService has welcomed the Chinese hospital ship, #PeaceArk, as part of a joint national & interdepartmental exercise between the People’s Republic of China and the RSA, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Health.#SANDF@Defence_ZA pic.twitter.com/QwgIOv0nhm

— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) August 27, 2024