China has proven itself to be a powerful symbol of lasting friendship, generosity: Minister Naseem

China has proven itself to be a powerful symbol of lasting friendship and generosity, providing the Maldives with aid and assistance even during the most challenging times, says Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem.

He made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony to handover the first batch of the Sinopharm vaccine produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products of China, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

As such, he noted that China’s donation of 200,000 Sinopharm doses could not be more auspicious or aptly-timed.

Thanking the government of China, the Embassy of China in the Maldives and the China National Pharmaceutical Foreign Trade Corporation for facilitating the donation, Minister Naseem stated that the consignment will assist the Maldives continue its inoculation drive for both locals and expatriates, unhindered and uninterrupted.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih launched the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” vaccination programme on February 1.

Highlighting that the consignment was delivered to Maldives by the capable team of the country’s national airline, Maldivian, Minister Naseem expressed gratitude to the company as well as the Chinese companies for their generous donations towards the cost of flight to bring the vaccines to the Maldives.

Expressing pleasure in observing China play a leading role in the international sphere establishing themselves as a global leader on public health especially during the global pandemic, the health minister shed light on the Chinese President’s dedication to promote multilateralism and common prosperity in advancing technology and innovations and for his dedication in ensuring that the vaccine manufactured in China are made accessible and affordable to all.

Further the minister thanked the Ambassador of Chine, Zhang Lizhong for showing “great patience” and “dedicated professionalism”, asserting that his hard work has been inspiring for the Maldivian people.

He noted that Ambassador Zhang’s enthusiasm, diligence and commitment to helping Maldivians is highly appreciated, and wished him well in his future endeavors. He expressed his belief that Zhang’s efforts were a “true” reflection of the close friendship between both countries.

Maldives received the donation of 100,000 Sinopharm vaccinations late Wednesday and is expected to receive the remaining 100,000 dosages on March 30. The Chinese government donated a total of 200,000 Sinopharm vaccination doses to the Maldives.

The first batch of doses of the Chinese Sinopharm Vaccine Donation to the Maldives was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on behalf of the government, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.