Some of the 36,000 medical masks await shipment. They were donated by the government of Harbin to its sister city of Niigata in Japan and arrived at their destination on April 21. [Photo/dbw.cn]

A total of 36,000 medical masks donated by the government of Harbin to its sister city of Niigata in Japan – to help in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic – successfully arrived at the destination on April 21, according to local officials.
 
The mayor of Niigata expressed his deep thanks to Harbin, capital city of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province, for the help during this most difficult time.
 
The masks were distributed to childcare institutions, encouraging them to take good care of children’s health while providing their services.

Niigata was the first city to establish sister relationship with Harbin, dating back to 41 years ago.

The two cities have been carrying out in-depth exchanges in education, medical care, agriculture, technology and other aspects.

During the critical period of the epidemic in Harbin, Niigata donated 30,000 medical masks to the city on Feb 5, which helped relieved an acute shortage of medical supplies in Harbin.
 
The Niigata mayor also sent over an especially recorded heartwarming condolences video to cheer up Harbin.

On April 20, Harbin reached out to help while its own local supplies were still tight, sending the sister city 36,000 surgical masks, while coping with its own shortage of medical supplies.