STORY: Chinese embassy donates solar-powered lighting to Damascus
SHOOTING TIME: July 3, 2024
DATELINE: July 4, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:02
LOCATION: Damascus
CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the solar-powered lighting devices
2. various of officials attending the ceremony
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SHI HONGWEI, Chinese Ambassador to Syria
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMAD TAREK KRISHATI, Governor of Damascus
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): NAIF NADDOUR, Local resident

STORYLINE:

The Chinese Embassy in Syria on Wednesday donated a series of solar-powered lighting devices to the Damascus Province as part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure in the Syrian capital.
   
A ceremony was held Wednesday evening in Abbasiyin Square, east of Damascus, where the donated lights were installed and turned on.
   
Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei, Mohammad Tarek Krishati, governor of Damascus, and Fadi Salti Khalil, president of the Syrian Planning and International Cooperation Commission, attended the ceremony.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SHI HONGWEI, Chinese Ambassador to Syria
"China, as a friend and partner of Syria, always works side by side with Syria to provide more batches of lighting devices and other assistance that benefit the people and improve their living conditions. Together, let's light the way, light up Damascus, and light up a better-shared future."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMAD TAREK KRISHATI, Governor of Damascus
"We thank the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for the grant provided to the Governorate of Damascus, which included 105 solar-powered lighting devices. This grant represents the first phase, to be followed by other initiatives within the framework of cooperation between the two sides."
   
SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): NAIF NADDOUR, Local resident
"This is an excellent project that represents a qualitative leap in street lighting in this area. We hope these aids will continue to illuminate more streets. We appreciate the efforts."
   
The donation is part of China's ongoing efforts to support Syria's infrastructure rehabilitation.
   
In recent years, China has provided various supplies to Syria, including vaccines, food, buses, and communication devices, as well as assistance in repairing schools, improving medical conditions, and enhancing other public services.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Damascus.
(XHTV)