Lusaka, Zambia - February 21, 2025 China on Friday handed over the first batch of about 460 metric tons of rice, as part of nearly 2,000 metric tons of grain, to help Zambia tackle the impacts of the 2023/2024 drought, with three subsequent batches expected to arrive. The handover ceremony, held at the offices of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, was attended by Wang Sheng, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and Gabriel Pollen, national coordinator of the DMMU. Wang said in his speech that the successful delivery of the first batch of rice aid underscores China's commitment to the longstanding friendship and all-dimensional cooperation with Zambia. Wang further said China is dedicated to implementing the consensus reached by the two leaders last September and working with Zambia to promote the modernization of the two countries. For his part, Pollen said China's generous donation is a testament to international solidarity and cooperation, with the timely contribution to alleviate the food insecurity of people affected by the drought, particularly in hard-hit areas. "Zambia suffered the devastating effects of the 2023/2024 drought, but to see China come on board now with 1,870 metric tonnes of rice to help with the immediate food assistance the government is currently embarking upon is a reflection of the commitment I think that China shares with our government, to make sure that we deliver the food to where it is required," he said. Zambia experienced a severe drought during the 2023/2024 rainy season due to extreme weather conditions caused by El Nino. The drought affected crop production in 84 of the country's 116 districts, leaving about six million people in need of food assistance. The video shows: 1. Handover ceremony in progress 2. Wang Sheng, minister counselor at Chinese Embassy in Zambia, speaking 3. Gabriel Pollen, national coordinator of Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit of Zambia, speaking 4. Various of attendees 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Gabriel Pollen, national coordinator, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (ending with shot 7): "Zambia suffered the devastating effects of the 2023/2024 drought, but to see China come on board now with 1,870 metric tonnes of rice to help with the immediate food assistance the government is currently embarking upon is a reflection of the commitment I think that China shares with our government, to make sure that we deliver the food to where it is required." 6. Various of rice donated by China 7. Attending officials taking group photo 8. Pollen (L), Wang (R) posing for photo 9. Reporters [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]