LUSAKA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has held a ceremony to award the 27th Chinese Military Medical Team for their unwavering dedication to duty.
The ceremony, held on Friday evening at the Zambia Army headquarters, saw the team being awarded the International Friendly Cooperation Medal.
Wang Sheng, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and Douglas Siakalima, Zambia's acting defense minister, attended the event.
In his remarks, Wang commended the team for their professional medical skills and their contribution to Zambia's military medical development.
He reaffirmed China's dedication to military medical cooperation with Zambia, saying the medical team will continue strengthening bilateral military medical exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
"Since 1984, 332 Chinese military doctors have served in Zambia, making invaluable contributions to healthcare. Their noble ethics and skills have strengthened our partnership," he said.
On his part, Siakalima acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese medical teams to Zambia's healthcare system. "For six decades, Chinese medical teams have stood by us, healing our people and sharing their knowledge," he said.
Siakalima added that the 27th medical team has strengthened the legacy with their remarkable expertise and selfless service, adding that Zambia is grateful and looking for greater collaboration.
Maina Soko Medical Center Commandant Levy Muchemwa highlighted the impact of the medical team, saying their mentorship has elevated local healthcare standards.
He said the impact of the team would be felt long after their departure due to their expertise and dedication.