MONROVIA, Aug. 12 -- The Chinese government presented Tuesday a consignment of medical supplies to Liberia following their arrival Monday by a Chinese cargo plane at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) outside the capital, Monrovia.

The consignment was officially presented to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

At the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Zhang Yue said the items were donated by the people of China to bring relief to the country during a critical period.

Yue said China will continue to stand by Liberia as it strives to prevent and combat the spread of the deadly Ebola virus disease in the country.

He said the scale of the devastation prompted the government and people of China to extend a helping hand to the Liberian people, leading to the shipment of this latest consignment.

Zhang disclosed that a team of Chinese experts is expected to arrive in Liberia shortly to work with health authorities to consolidate the fight against the spread of the virus.

Earlier, President Sirleaf lauded the friendly assistance from China to the people of Liberia at a critical time when the country is faced with challenges posed by the deadly Ebola virus that has claimed lives of many of her compatriots since March.

China has always collaborated with Liberia during tough times, she added.