The government of Russia remains committed to expedite the procurement of Covid-19 vaccinations to the Maldives, says Foreign Minister of the country, Sergey Lavrov.

The Russian minister gave this assurance during a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid on Thursday.

During the telephone conversation both ministers explored avenues through which the cooperation both bilateral and multilateral may be strengthened between both countries.

Discussions also revolved around the current challenges facing their respective countries due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As such, both ministers briefed each other of the precautionary measures taken to curb and control the spread of the virus effectively and to deal with the unparalleled global health emergency.

Further, both ministers touched down on ways through which their respective governments may effectively overcome the economic and financial consequence of Covid-19, with the Russian foreign minister having assured FM Shahid that the government of Russia is committed to expedite the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines and continue efforts to further enhance the existing cooperation between both countries.

Stressing on the need for joint efforts in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, both ministers reaffirmed commitment to continue cooperation and collaboration in advancing interests on areas of mutual concern.

On May 13 Maldives approved the emergency use of Sputnik V Vaccine in its battle against Covid-19.

Under the Health Services Act and under the Medicines Regulation, Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) authorized the use of Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccination to be used in the Maldives, with the technical advice from National Pharmaceutical Board.

Manufactured by Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sputnik V is only to be used for active immunization to prevent Covid-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome in individuals over 18 years of age. MFDA revealed that Sputnik V vaccines may only be administered under the context of government use, and that doses will be supplied to the ongoing inoculation drive to be used in accordance with Health Protection Agency (HPA) guidelines and standards. The Russia-produced vaccine which is required to be stored at -18 degree Celsius, is approved for emergency use across 66 countries currently.