Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Ning Fukui and Cambodian Minister of Health Hong Sun Huot in Phnom Penh Wednesday inked the document on hand-over of the appliances, on behalf of their respective governments.

The appliances, valued US$45,000, included portable thermometers, protective clothing and gauze masks. The appliances will be used to help Cambodia to prevent the SARS epidemic.

On behalf of the Cambodian government, Hong Sun Huot thanked the Chinese government for providing these equipment. He said, "With this assistance, the Ministry of Health will be able to effectively prevent SARS epidemic in the country as well as to contribute in preventing SARS epidemic in our region and in the whole world."

Ning Fukui said, "We are sure the equipment will play an important role in Cambodia's SARS prevention." "Our friendship and cooperation will be enhanced through our joint effort to combat the spread of SARS," he added.

Ning also thanked King Norodom Sihanouk for his donation of 10,000 dollars to the Chinese government to support China's fight against SARS disease.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2003)