Monrovia – The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has reaffirmed its continuous supports to the Liberian media. PRC describes the media as an integral part of its diplomatic ties with Liberia and so it will continue to increase its assistance in the development and capacity building of journalists in Liberia.
The Chinese Embassy near Monrovia made the statement Thursday, February 20, 2020, when the leadership of the President Union of Liberia (PUL) went to the Embassy to identify with and present a statement of solidarity to the Asian country as it faces the novel coronavirus epidemic.
Receiving the statement on behalf of Ambassador Fu Jijun, Charge Affairs, Mr. Xu Kun, commended PUL for identifying with the Chinese people during such a deadly epidemic. Mr. Xu recounted the efforts of Liberian journalists in promoting the friendship between their country and China, terming the statement of solidarity asan indication that the friendship remains strong in any situation.
He also assured PUL that the Embassy will continue to provide short and long-term training, scholarship and exchange programs for Liberian journalists. “It will afford Liberian journalists opportunities to see and learn more about China,” he said.
Mr. Xu also disclosed plans by the Embassy to resume Chinese classes for Liberian journalists, where participants are taught basic communication skills in Chinese.
The Chinese diplomat used the occasion to reveal drops in the transmission rate of the coronavirus for past days. He explained that efforts have been increased in the fight against the virus, thus there is a growing number of cured and discharged patients on a daily basis.
Mr. Xu expressed the confidence that the virus will soon become a history and China back on its normal activities.
PUL’s Vice President, Daniel Nyakonah, read the statement of solidarity on behalf of the union’s President Charles Coffey.
The statement noted that the coronavirus is not only affecting China, but the world at large because China is the world’s second largest economy. It added that cases of the virus are being reported in other countries.
PUL pointed out that the current situation in China is a concern globally, and Liberia is of no exception; especially so that China is one of Liberia’s major partners.
“Our concern for the epidemic stands from our experience with the deadly Ebola virus that struck Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea in 2014, claiming thousands of lives. We are aware of the human resource and development problems the virus posed on Liberia,” PUL recalled in the statement.
The Union recounted PRC’s assistance to Liberia, saying that, during the Ebola outbreak, China did not only donate huge consignment of medical supplies, it also dispatched series of medical teams to battle the virus. “Also, China did not close its airports to the affected West African countries as was done by some countries around the world,” the statement continued.
PUL also expressed confidence in the Chinese people to overcome the virus. It further stated: “We are also grateful to God for the level of fight against the virus with the increasing number of patients being cured and discharged of the epidemic.”
According to the statement, PUL extended its deepest condolences to the Government and families of people who have lost their lives to the virus and prayed that God consoles them.
While calling on the international community to urgently intervene in containing the deadly virus, the Union warned against stigmatizing Chinese around the world and others who may have visited China, saying, “We stress the need for journalists to report facts surrounding the virus and not rumors. Let’s fight the Coronavirus not the Chinese.”
“H.E. Amb. Fu and other staff of the Embassy, we stand with our government in supporting China and we remain in prayers until this battle is won over the virus, victory we believe is not too far from now,” PUL vowed.
Also making comments, VP Nyakonah thanked the Chinese Embassy for its many efforts in Liberia’s recovery programs. He said the PUL recognizes the Embassy for providing opportunities to many Liberian journalists.
Nyakonah pleaded with the Chinese Embassy to provide more scholarships for members of the union for advanced studies.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy has donated office equipment to the PUL. The items include: two computers, two printers, four digital recorders and one fan.