Chinese embassy donates solar-powered lighting to Damascus

Workers install a solar-powered street light donated by the Chinese Embassy in Syria by a street east of Damascus, Syria, on July 3, 2024. 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. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- 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.

During the event, Shi said 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," said the ambassador.

For his part, Krishati thanked the embassy for the donation to the province, adding that it will be followed by other initiatives within the framework of cooperation between the two sides.

Local residents told reporters that the project will have positive impacts on their daily lives.

"We hope these aids will continue to illuminate more streets. We appreciate the efforts," said Naif Naddour, a local resident.

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.

Solar-powered street lights donated by the Chinese Embassy in Syria illuminate a street east of Damascus, Syria, on July 3, 2024. 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. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Solar-powered street lights donated by the Chinese Embassy in Syria illuminate a street east of Damascus, Syria, on July 3, 2024. 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. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Chinese Ambassador to Syria Shi Hongwei speaks at a ceremony in Abbasiyin Square, east of Damascus, Syria, where the Chinese Embassy in Syria donated solar-powered street lights to the Damascus Province, on July 3, 2024. 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. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)