By Xu Ye, Jiang Shan
Chinese medical staff man the rails as the hospital ship Peace Ark (Hull 866) enters the port of Antigua and Barbuda's capital St. John's.
ST. JOHN'S, Oct. 24 (ChinaMil) -- The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark (Hull 866), currently on its “Harmonious Mission 2018”, arrived in Antigua and Barbuda's capital St. John's on Monday at 10 a.m. for an eight-day friendly visit to the country. It was the first visit by a Chinese navy ship to Antigua and Barbuda.
Upon arrival, the ship was warmly welcomed by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and his wife at the port. Antigua and Barbuda's military band played the national anthems of both countries and local people performed traditional dances at the welcome ceremony.
At the ceremony, Williams said that the Peace Ark’s visit is a special gift from the Chinese government and its people, especially on the eve of the 37th anniversary celebrating the independence of Antigua and Barbuda. This visit has deepened the traditional friendship and promoted continuous exchanges between the two countries.
According to the task commander of the "Harmonious Mission 2018", the Peace Ark, loaded with the peace and friendship, will do whatever it takes to help local people. During its visit, the Peace Ark will carry out free medical services for local residents on the main platform of the ship, dispatch medical teams to local disability service centers and send ambulance helicopters to the island of Barbuda.
After the ceremony, Williams and his wife, together with government and military leaders of Antigua and Barbuda, embarked on the Peace Ark and visited Chinese medical staff.
