On July 23, 2020, on behalf of Professor Peng Liyuan, Ambassador Sun Gongyi and his spouse Wang Ju handed over epidemic prevention materials donated by the Chinese government to Mrs. Kobita Jugnauth, spouse of the Mauritian Prime Minister. Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity Daureeawoo, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare Koonjoo-shah, female parliamentarian representatives and Commercial Counselor Hu Ming also attended the donation ceremony.
Counselor Wang Ju, spouse of the Chinese ambassador, said in her speech that the materials conveyed condolences and support of Professor Peng Liyuan and the Chinese people to the Mauritian people, especially their care for the vulnerable groups such as Mauritian women and children. It is hoped that this batch of materials can help Mauritius better fight the virus and restore normal life as soon as possible. The friendship between China and Mauritius supporting each other during the epidemic time is touching. At the most difficult moment, the Mauritian government and all sectors of Mauritian society provided valuable support to China; China also extended a helping hand after the outbreak of the epidemic in Mauritius, providing medical materials through various channels to help Mauritius fight the epidemic.
Counselor Wang Ju added that at present, China and Mauritius have effectively controlled the epidemic and gradually resumed work and production, which is heartening. However, the global epidemic is still raging, and all countries are faced with the arduous task of fighting the epidemic, stabilizing the economy, and protecting people's livelihood. The Chinese government is willing to firmly support African countries, including Mauritius, to fight the epidemic, implement the cooperation measures announced by President Xi Jinping at the China-Africa Summit on COVID-19, jointly build a China-Africa health community, and further strengthen the friendship between the peoples of China and Africa.
Mrs. Kobita highly commended the Chinese government's medical supplies to 53 African countries, including Mauritius, saying that China and Mauritius have maintained a good cooperative relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the two peoples have forged a profound friendship. The materials received by the Mauritian side today once again reflect the friendship between the Chinese government and people and the Mauritian government and people. During President Xi Jinping's visit to Mauritius in 2018, Mrs. Kobita herself had an in-depth exchange of views with Professor Peng Liyuan on issues of common concern such as the protection of rights and interests of women and children, which is still impressive. Mrs. Kobita expressed gratitude to Professor Peng Liyuan for caring about women and children in African countries and wished to continue working with China to promote further development of bilateral relations which benefits the peoples of the two countries.
The official website of the Mauritian government released the news right after the handover ceremony, and mainstream media such as MBC, "Le Defi" and Radio One reported the handover ceremony as well.