KHOST, Afghanistan, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have distributed China-donated aid to needy families, primarily recent returnees, in the eastern Khost and western Herat provinces, officials reported on Thursday.
In Khost city, capital of Khost province, 87 families received aid packages distributed by Acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Affairs Khalil Rahman Haqqani. The packages, designed to help families through the winter, included tents, sweaters, shoes, and other essential items.
Expressing gratitude to China for its support, Haqqani emphasized that each family received goods valued at 19,000 Afghanis (about 282 U.S. dollars). He added that the timely assistance would help alleviate the challenges facing impoverished families.
The aid recipients are mostly returnees from Pakistan and other neighboring countries. "I am grateful to China for providing tents and winter clothing, and I hope to receive more assistance from China in the future," said Shafi Mohammad, one of the aid beneficiaries, to Xinhua.
In Herat province, 107 families received similar aid over the past week, with the distribution concluding on Thursday. Barikzai, a resident of Herat city and a recipient, expressed his thanks, noting that each family received a foldable bed, two blankets, a bucket, and kitchen essentials.
In addition to these distributions, China-donated aid was provided to 350 needy families in neighboring Nimroz province 10 days prior.
China has consistently supported Afghan families in need by providing winter clothing, tents, food supplies, and medicine over the years. ■