Senior government officials gathered at the Kings Wharf in Suva this morning to farewell the crew and officers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Hospital Ship PEACE ARK.
Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration Joketani Cokanasiga, Commissioner of Police Bernadus Groenewald and Brigadier Mohammed Aziz were joined by the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Huang Yong at the farewell ceremony.
East Fleet Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Shen Hao, said this visit strengthened bilateral relations between Fiji and China.
“Through our good will visit and medical services offered to Fijians, the friendly co-operation between the two military forces will definitely be consolidated,” Rear Admiral Shen Hao said.
Minister Cokanasiga acknowledged the humanitarian services provided by the hospital ship and thanked Rear Admiral Shen for the continuous support towards Fijian people.
During its one week stop over the hospital ship treated 8286 patients. This included 5898, who were treated as outpatients, 34 health check ups, 68 surgeries and 37 in-patients.
Medical staff from the ship were attached at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Senior Citizens Home and the Valelevu Health Centre to provide relevant medical services.
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