By Otto Abut
The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan has handed over agricultural machinery donated by a Chinese enterprise to the Azande Kingdom, in a move aimed at boosting agricultural production and food security.
The handover ceremony, for machinery donated by Zhaotai Group, was held on January 20 in Juba. The donation is expected to enhance agriculture and increase food production in Western Equatoria State and across the Azande Kingdom.
The event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Ma Qiang, Mrs. Huo Ying, Deputy Chief of Mission, H.M. Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, King of the Azande Kingdom, Hon. Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Peacebuilding, and more than 80 other guests.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Ma Qiang also presented English editions of the fifth volume of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” to the South Sudanese side.
Ambassador Ma stated that, in line with the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Chinese Embassy and its affiliated institutions have taken active steps to support South Sudan’s development. He said the donation by Zhaotai Group demonstrates the responsibility and commitment of Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
He expressed hope that the agricultural machinery would help the Azande Kingdom increase grain production and improve the livelihoods of its people.
His Majesty King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, together with other representatives of the Azande community, expressed gratitude for China’s long-term and selfless support to South Sudan, and commended Zhaotai Group for its generous contribution.
The King emphasized that the machinery would contribute to good harvests, peace, and stability, adding that the people of the Azande Kingdom would never forget the gesture of goodwill.