‘Together we stand’: China gifts 30,000 face masks

Consul general’s message of support hails friendship between the two countries

“Together we stand” is the message from the people of China to Scotland as the country’s consul general presented a gift of 30,000 face masks to Angus as Covid-19 containment measures continue.

Chinese consul general Ma Qiang offered the masks, which come from Shandong province, an area which has close ties with Angus, to the county’s civic head, Provost Ronnie Proctor.

Mr Ma Qiang said it was imperative to “work together in a collective response so that humanity as one can tackle the common crisis”.

The equipment is with third sector organisation Voluntary Action Angus as plans progress on how to distribute the masks to those in the community who need them. It is understood the masks are suitable for general use among those observing two-metre social distancing.

Mr Proctor said: “When the Covid19 outbreak began initially, I wrote to Consul General Ma Qiang offering the support and best wishes of the people of Angus to our friends in China.

“When the virus became a global pandemic affecting us all, I was delighted to receive a letter from the Chinese consul general offering this very generous gift, which I was delighted to accept.

“Angus may be a small county, but it has always had an international outlook and I believe this gift symbolises the long-standing friendship between China and Angus.”

Angus has a long-standing relationship with China, especially the Shandong area, where it has enjoyed a sister area agreement with the government of Yantai. The agreement has seen a number of reciprocal trade missions take place and a historic agreement in 2006 saw a twinning arrangement signed between Glamis Castle and the Great Wall of China.

Consul General Ma Qiang, said: “The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic has changed almost everything but the friendship between China and Scotland.

“As Chinese consul general in Edinburgh I’m delighted to be able to donate some face masks to our Scottish partners. I’m sure that they will be put into best use to protect people in need. Together we stand.

“At such a difficult time, it is imperative for the international community to act with unity and work together in a collective response so that humanity as one can tackle the common crisis to build a better world.”

Elsewhere, students from St Andrews University have donated PPE supplies for use by care workers and NHS frontline staff throughout Fife.

St Andrews University student Liangfei Zhang with some of the protective equipment to be donated to key workers in Fife.