Photo: CGTN

JUBA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- China has donated about 1,040 tons of rice to South Sudan as part of emergency food assistance program to the east African nation.

The food aid arrived in Juba on April 4 and will be distributed to vulnerable people affected by last year's devastating floods and an infestation of desert locusts, the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan said in a statement Monday.

Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, said China has been collaborating with South Sudan in different areas such as food security, health, relief assistance.

"While China is working with South Sudan closely in combating the virus (COVID-19), we are also doing our utmost to support the people struggling with hunger," Hua said.

South Sudan, which has been ravaged by about six years of civil conflict, confirmed its first case of the COVID-19 over the weekend, adding to an already dire situation of severe food insecurity and malnutrition.

Hua said the coronavirus pandemic has made the food supply more pressing, which requires a global response with solidarity and unity.

The Chinese envoy pledged Beijing's firm support to help South Sudan attain lasting peace and stability.

"We trust that with the continuous progress of the peace process and the joint efforts of South Sudan and the international community, the country will be able to overcome the challenges ahead. China will stay together with South Sudan through thick and thin," Hua said.