PHNOM PENH, April 25 -- The Chinese government will provide 200 ambulances to Cambodian Ministry of Health later this year to help facilitate the country's humanitarian activities, according to a statement on the website of the ruling Cambodian People's Party on Friday.

The pledge was unveiled during a meeting between Song Xiaoguo, an economic counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, and Cambodian Minister of Health Mam Bunheng early this week, the website said.

Song Xiaoguo said the ambulances will arrive in Cambodia by the end of 2014 and expressed confidence that they will help develop Cambodian health sector.

For his part, Mam Bunheng extended profound gratitude to the Chinese government and people for supporting Cambodia in all circumstances and said the forthcoming ambulances will be allocated to hospitals and health centers in all 25 cities and provinces, particularly those in remote areas.

He also asked China to consider providing medical equipment such as ultrasound machines for pregnancy, radiation therapy machines, and equipment for intensive care units.