Ark Peace docked into Port Moresby this morning (July 11) with Papua New Guinea being the first stop for the vessel on its Harmony Mission 2018.
China’s Ambassador to PNG, Xue Bing, welcomed the vessel crew under the command of mission commanders, Rear Admiral Guan Bailin, and Rear Admiral Qin Wei.
Ark Peace Mission is to strengthen international humanitarian aid and promote peace, development and cooperation.
It is also one way of enhancing relations between China and PNG.
PNG Defence Force Chief of Staff, Philip Polewara, was part of the welcome delegation this morning. He also thanked Admiral Guan Balin for accepting more PNG students to their Naval Medical University of the Chinese Navy.
The Chinese Navy Hospital Ship is equipped with two landing aircrafts, two high-speed crafts and six enclosed lifeboats. She also has transfer capabilities by means of a helicopter, hanging baskets.
With a medical facility that includes 8 operating rooms, 300 sick beds, 7 medical staff offices, 8 nurse stations and 18 consulting rooms, and more – it is a fully equipped floating hospital.
This vessel will be in Port Moresby until next Wednesday.
For city residents who may want to seek treatment aboard Ark Peace, they must pre-register at the PNGDF Taurama Military Hospital, Gerehu General Hospital or visit Ben Moide Club.
