HARARE Nike Air Max Womens Sale , April 17 (Xinhua) -- As Zimbabwe celebrates Independence Day on April 18, China remains the country's all-weather friend and continues to give a helping hand during difficult times.


The Chinese embassy in Harare is as old as Zimbabwe's independence, having opened on the same day the Union Jack was put down to symbolize the end of British rule and give way to black majority rule nearly 37 years ago.


Today, relations between the two countries continue to grow on the political, economic and cultural fronts.


China was one of the first countries to rally behind Zimbabwe when it issued a distress call in March for assistance following floods that left hundreds of families homeless and in need of food by donating 1 million U.S. dollars to the government on March 31.


Heavy rains that were worsened by Cyclone Dineo in mid-February left 271 people dead, another 128 injured and nearly 2 Air Max 95 Womens Sale ,000 homeless.


The deaths were caused by lightning strikes, drowning and landslides, according to the Civil Protection Unit, which added that nearly 2,600 homesteads were damaged in varying degrees.


The Chinese Red Cross Society also gave 50,000 dollars and the Chinese embassy and community in Zimbabwe gave another 10 Air Max 90 Womens Sale ,000 dollars to help the flood victims.


On April 3, China also donated 12,000 tons of rice to assist the needy, including the victims of the recent floods.


This was in addition to another 19,000 tons of rice Zimbabwe received from China in 2016 following President Mugabe's declaration of a state of disaster after an El Nino induced drought ravaged parts of the country in 201516.


Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira Air Max Womens Sale , who received the latest donation, was full of praise for the Chinese government for the assistance.


"Today we are witnessing another contribution from China where they are donating 12,173 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe. We appreciate the gesture made by China," the minister said.


Chinese Embassy official Luo Xi said the donation was testimony of China's commitment to maintaining strong, friendly ties with Zimbabwe.


With weather conditions hovering between droughts and floods in recent years, China also came to Zimbabwe's assistance in 2014 when it donated 500 Nike Air Max 95 Sale ,000 dollars to help flood victims in Masvingo province.


Also in 2014, China and Zimbabwe signed agreements under which China would provide financial