The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines and anti-epidemic materials donated by China to the Maldives arrived Wednesday night and were handed over on Thursday.
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong officially handed over the Sinopharm vaccines and supplies to Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem in an official ceremony held Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Zhang said the donation was a sign of the bonds of friendship between China and the Maldives, adding that the donation fulfills China's commitment to making the vaccines a "global public good."
Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the government and the people of China for contributing to the country's vaccination program, noting that Chinese companies in the Maldives have also contributed to the country's anti-epidemic efforts.
Health Minister Naseem also thanked the Chinese government, adding he hoped to strengthen cooperation between China and the Maldives to secure a victory over the pandemic.
The Maldives approved China's Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use on March 15.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
