Sunderland gets PPE supplies boost from partner city in China

The mayor of Harbin, which is the capital of Heilongjiang, China’s northernmost province, has written to Sunderland City Council’s leader to offer supplies now that China is beginning to emerge from its own coronavirus crisis.

Sun Zhe said PPE would be sent here at the “soonest opportunity” and added that Harbin would be keeping Sunderland in its thoughts

Council leader Coun Graeme Miller, who responded to Mr Sun’s letter to thank him for the support, said: “China was of course the first country to be hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, so Harbin has been through the horror of coronavirus and emerged from it, just as Sunderland will.

“Our cities share a special friendship, and it is so important that we are able to support one another, particularly at difficult moments like this.

“The letter was therefore very welcome and it means a great deal to know that the people of Harbin stand in solidarity with us as we fight this battle.

“The offer of PPE is, at a very practical level, hugely appreciated, as it will protect those who are putting their own health and wellbeing at stake in order to help others.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Mr Sun and the city of Harbin for their kindness and support during this time. “

Signed in 2009, Sunderland’s friendship agreement with Harbin has seen the two cities work together on a range of projects in order to foster economic growth, improve education in both areas and to exchange best practice on clinical issues.

Coun Miller added: “It’s during times of strife that we can really see the value of community, at a very local level and at an international-level, and the strong global network we have established, and the trusting

relationships we share as a result, means we have a great deal of support, goodwill and in this case, very practical help, from our friends around the world. We’re incredibly grateful.”

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