Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs distributed a batch of newly received relief materials donated by China and Pakistan to 1,000 Kabul families on Wednesday.

The latest batch includes blankets, winter clothes, and food to pull through the freezing cold winter at a time of economic difficulties.

Afghan deputy minister of refugees and repatriation affairs of the interim government Arsala Kharoti attended the distribution ceremony and expressed his thanks to China for its continued humanitarian aid.

He said the interim government hoped that these materials will help families in need to cope with practical problems and that the international community will provide assistance to Afghanistan like China.

The Chinese government announced last September that it would provide 200 million yuan ($31.5 million) worth of food, winter supplies, vaccines, medicines, and other emergency humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

The 2022 UN humanitarian response appeal for Afghanistan amounts to $4.5 billion, but there is a great funding gap. China has also called on the international community, especially major donors, to step up efforts.