Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia,

Hon. Ministers,

Hon. Members of the Legislature,

Friends from media,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, I am much honored to sign the Exchange of Notes on the new-round assistance of China to the Government of the Republic of Liberia for its fight against Ebola.

The Ebola epidemic is escalating and spreading in West Africa and has posed grave challenges not only to the countries in the region but also to the international community. China shares the urgency of this fight against the unprecedented virus. President Xi Jinping highly concerns about the epidemic situation and cares about the friends in the Ebola-affected countries. On September 18th during his state visit to India, he announced that the Chinese government decides, on top of the previous two batches of assistance, to provide 200 million RMB Yuan (about 33 million US Dollars) worth of new round of emergency assistance to altogether 10 affected regional countries, among which we will provide 1 million US Dollars of financial aid and 2 million US Dollars worth of food assistance to Liberia. China will also provide WHO and AU each with 2 million US Dollars to support them in the fight against Ebola epidemic.

In addition, in order to enhance the capacity of Liberia National Police (LNP) in combating the Ebola epidemic as well as to improve its mobility in the context of UNMIL's drawdown, the Chinese Government also decides to donate 1.3 million RMB yuan (about 200 thousand US Dollars) worth of equipment including 2 SUVs and 30 motorcycles to the LNP.

Chinese Embassy and the Chinese companies in Liberia have also been engaged in supporting some Liberia government agencies, NGOs and communities to fight against Ebola, such as donating disinfection and preventive materials and encouraging some NGOs to raise the Ebola awareness in local communities. Learning from our experience in fighting against SARS epidemic in China in 2003, we believe that it is crucial to take urgent measures to improve the public health system, and on the other hand, it is equally important to raise the prevention consciousness of all people of the Nation. With both preventive and medical efforts, we shall break the transmission chain of Ebola virus disease.

With the financial resources provided, more health workers can be hired and more human resources can be mobilized to go to the local communities to raise public awareness about the right way of self-protection and prevention. The Ebola epidemic outbreak not only threatens people's lives, but also has great impact on economic development and social stability in Liberia. Our food aid to GOL and logistic assistance to LNP are aiming at the reverse of the severe situation. The food assistance will be implemented through World Food Programme. We in China are trying our best to do our part together with the international community.

While the Chinese government and people highly appreciate the untiring efforts by relevant countries to combat the Ebola epidemic, China has been responding positively and quickly to the calls from the region to give a helping hand to the people in need. As early as April, China provided medical supplies and cash aid to Ebola-affected countries. Last month, China had taking the lead to respond to the emergency appeals of WHO and Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea by offering instant assistance, such as cash, epidemic prevention materials and food, which is valued 30 million RMB yuan (about 5 million US Dollars) and delivered by a chartered flight. We have also sent, up till now, 174 medical experts to the affected countries to join in the combat against Ebola. Here in Liberia, we have an expert team working together with the Chinese medical team. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent condolence messages to the heads of 3 affected countries, showing the political and moral support of Chinese Government and people to the Governments and peoples of the 3 countries.

What China has done fully demonstrates that China and African countries are friends who support each other in adversity and showcases the spirit of love upheld by the Chinese people.

The fight against Ebola virus disease should not only be the responsibility of Africa Countries and Peoples but also be a global common responsibility. China urges that the international community, especially the developed countries, should continue to take concrete measures and enhance their assistances. China is ready to continue to work side by side with the Government of Liberia and the international community and make positive contributions to the fight against the epidemic and the effective prevention and control of the epidemic at an early date.

Thank you.