Chinese Ambassador Xu Erwen (2nd L) and Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros (2nd R) pose with medical supplies from China in Zagreb, Croatia, April 12, 2020. A cargo aircraft from Shanghai carrying about 60 tons of medical supplies, including 3.7 tons donated by the Chinese government to Croatia, landed at the Franjo Tudman International Airport here on Sunday morning. (Xinhua/Gao Lei)

ZAGREB, April 12  -- A cargo aircraft from Shanghai carrying about 60 tons of medical supplies, including 3.7 tons donated by the Chinese government to Croatia, landed at the Franjo Tudman International Airport here on Sunday morning.

Through cooperation with Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical companies, MEHECO and SINOPHARM, the Croatian government has purchased large quantities of protective equipment for fighting against COVID-19, making it the largest shipment of medical supplies from China since the outbreak of the pandemic in Croatia.

The Chinese donations onboard the direct cargo flight includes N95 face masks, surgical masks, disposable protective suits and single-use rubber surgical gloves, all in boxes labeled with national flags of China and Croatia and the words "a friend in need is a friend indeed" in both languages.

"Today's shipment is another example of quality and concrete cooperation between Croatia and China," the Croatian government said on Sunday in a press release.

Chinese Ambassador Xu Erwen, who went to the airport with Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros and the Head of the Prime Minister's Office Zvonimir Frka-Petesic, said that during the most difficult period when China was fighting against COVID-19 epidemic, the Croatian government and people immediately sent condolences and support to China.

"We deeply cherish this friendship and will remember it forever...We are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Croatian side in the fight against the epidemic. More support and assistance are also coming from some Chinese companies and local governments," said Xu.

Since the first case of COVID-19 in the southeastern European country was confirmed on Feb. 25, Croatia has recorded 1,600 cases as of Sunday afternoon, while 373 patients have been cured and 23 succumbed to the disease, according to government website dedicated to the outbreak koronavirus.