Wuxi honors Salvadoran officials for their brave act

Two Salvadoran officials were recently honored with certificates for justice and courage by the Liangxi branch of the Wuxi public security bureau and the Liangxi district government in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province.

This marks the first time the Chinese city has bestowed such certificates upon international friends.

From the Ministry of Agriculture of El Salvador, the two officials, Raul Edgado Cortez Cota and Danilo Alejandro Vega Hernandez, visited Wuxi for an aquaculture and fisheries seminar at the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center.

Two Salvadoran officials receive certificates for justice and courage in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

On Oct 20, during their visit to Nanchang Street, a popular attraction in the city, they witnessed two individuals on the verge of drowning. They leaped into the river without hesitation to rescue them despite the drizzling rain and low temperatures.

Reflecting on the courageous act, Raul said, "When we saw the incident happen, we didn't hesitate for a moment. We didn't plan. We saw the need."

Recalling the details after the brave act, he added, "What we appreciated is the mutual support, cooperation, and the warmth with which they received us and everything. Not just because of that situation, but generally since we arrived in the country."

Chinese ambassador to El Salvador Zhang Yanhui (1st from L) meets with the two lifesavers. [Photo/Embassy of the People's Republic of China in El Salvador]

For another lifesaver, Danilo, the warmth and recognition shown by the residents of Wuxi were the driving force behind his swift action. He remarked, "It's not just about the rescue; it's going to reflect on helping, supporting, cooperating with each other."

On Nov 6, the Chinese ambassador to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, met with the two Salvadoran officials. Zhang commended their heroic actions, highlighting that this underscores the friendly relations between the two nations and shows that all humans are part of one family.