The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), through the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, has donated ambulance and other materials to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS).

The non-emergency humanitarian assistance from the RCSC to the ERCS includes sleeping bags, sleeping mats, blankets, tents and an ambulance.

Qin Jian, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, on Wednesday handed over the donation to Frehiwot Worku, secretary general of the ERCS, at a ceremony held on the premises of the ERCS in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.

Receiving the donation, the ERCS secretary general, said the support from the RCSC would strengthen the efforts of the ERCS to reduce human suffering caused by natural and man-made disasters.

She stated that the ERCS has developed a change and development plan in order to strengthen its capacity and render humanitarian services in an effective manner.

The ERCS has held talks with the RCSC for partnership and cooperation, she said, adding that the two societies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the partnership.

The Chinese charge d'affaires said Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has recently visited China to deepen the existing relations and cooperation between China and Ethiopia.

"Last month a delegation from the Red Cross Society of China visited Ethiopia and conducted some investigations in Arab Minch Zuria Woreda and were ready to initiate projects to meet the urgent demand of local people," Qin said.

"We believe today's handing over ceremony is a good start of the cooperation between the Red Cross Societies of China and Ethiopia, and in the future there will be more and more cooperation between each other," he added.