By Chinese Embassy in Liberia
(2008/11/29)
 |
| medal parade |
The medal-awarding ceremony for the 7th Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent to Liberia was held on November 29, 2008 in Zwedru, capital city of Grand Gedeh County. Present at the program were H.E. Mr. Zhou Yuxiao, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Ellen Løj, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Lt. Gen. Zahirul Alam, UNMIL Force Commander, Sr. Col. Liu Shengli, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy and other high-profile officials of UNMIL, who came specially for the program from Monrovia. SRSG Løj presented medals to the Chinese peacekeepers and inspected their medal parade and cultural performance.
 |
| Ambassador Zhou Speaks at the program |
In his remarks prior to the medal-awarding, Amb. Zhou congratulated the Chinese peacekeepers for being awarded the medals. He commended them for their outstanding performance in fulfilling their mission and helping in the peace building and reconstruction of Liberia. According to the Chinese envoy, the Chinese peacekeepers have overcome many difficulties with the spirit of extreme endurance, braveness, devotion and sacrifice. "You have exhibited the good image of the People's Liberation Army of China", Amb. Zhou said. China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible, large developing country, pledged the ambassador, will continue its active involvement in UN peacekeeping operations in Liberia, and the Chinese Embassy will further strengthen its cooperation with UNMIL for the long-term stability, peace and development of Liberia.
In her remarks, SRSG Løj thanked China for its support to UN peacekeeping operations all over the world, especially in Liberia. According to her, since March 2004 when the first Chinese peacekeeping contingent arrived in Liberia, they have made a significant contribution to the enhancing of quality of life of the Liberian people, which is a clear indication of the desire of the government and people of China to assist UN effort in helping Liberia move forward from war to peace, and to security, recovery, rehabilitation and development. She praised the commanders of the three Chinese peacekeeping units for their excellent leadership. "You have led your troops in a way to make your country proud. You have certainly been a tribute to China", said Madame Løj. She expressed special thanks to the Chinese Engineering Company for its last-minute effort to complete the construction of the bridge linking Fish Town and Harper, which is a sign of their commitment to the benefit of the Liberian people. The UN Envoy then encouraged the Chinese peacekeepers to continue their efforts in realizing and maintaining world peace.
 |
| Madame Løj decorates Chinese peacekeepers with medals |
Earlier, Lt. Col. Wang Maosheng, Commander of the Chinese Contingent, briefed on the performance of the Contingent. According to him, Since last April, the Chinese Transport Company has transported about 40,000 tons of cargo with a mileage of nearly 600,000 kilometers. The Chinese Engineering Company has rehabilitated and maintained over 500 kilometers of road with more than 100,000 cubic meters of earth work. The Chinese Lvel-2 Hospital treated more than 3,400 patients and distributed medicines worth about 60,000 U.S. Dollars. Besides the abovementioned achievements, they have also reach out to the communities to offer services to the masses. He assured the UNMIL leadership of the Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent's continued commitment to UNMIL mandate and fulfillment of their duties with high quality and professionalism.
