Medical supplies from China handed over to Italy

About 26.4 tonnes of medical materials raised by eastern China's Zhejiang province have arrived in the northern Italian city of Turin, according to the Chinese Consulate-General in Milan.

Chinese Consul General in Milan Song Xuefeng (L) and Luigi Genesio Icardi, councilor for health of the region of Piedmont, pose for a photo in Turin, Italy, March 14, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

The supplies, raised in cooperation with the Italian side and the overseas Chinese communities in Italy, were handed over to the Italian side at the presence of Chinese consul general in Milan Song Xuefeng on Saturday, a day after its arrival in the country.

Following consultations with the Italian side, the first batch of the supplies will be sent to the most affected region of northern Italy, where medical supplies are urgently needed, according to the Chinese Consulate.

At the distribution site of the medical supplies in Turin, Song said that China will provide assistance based on the needs of Italy within its capabilities and share experience in epidemic prevention and control.

Chinese Consul General in Milan Song Xuefeng (4th L) and Luigi Genesio Icardi (4th R), councilor for health of the region of Piedmont, pose for a photo in Turin, Italy, March 14, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

Song said that with the concerted efforts of both sides, the epidemic will eventually be brought under control.

Luigi Genesio Icardi, health councilor of Piedmont, a region in northwest Italy with Turin as its capital, appreciated China for providing the timely help. He hoped that he could accompany the president of the region to visit Zhejiang and express his thanks in person after the epidemic.

Italy has witnessed rapid spread of COVID-19 over the past weeks, which stressed the country's medical materials.