Vietnam, Cuba discuss possibility of cooperation in COVID-19 vaccine production
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks his Cuban counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz (Photo: VGP)
During the talks, they also discussed orientations and measures to continue strengthening the special traditional friendship between the two countries.
PM Chinh congratulated Cuba on its success of the 8th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC)held from April 16-19, and congratulated Manuel Marrero Cruz on his election a Politburo member of the CPC.
He affirmed the recognition of importance to and determination to further deepen the sound friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in the time ahead, while praising the joint efforts to enhance consultation and exchange, and carry out bilateral cooperation mechanisms in flexible forms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vietnamese government leader sincerely thanked the Cuban Government for sending medical experts to help Vietnam cope with the coronavirus pandemic and gifting Vietnam drugs in support of COVID-19 treatment, thereby demonstrating mutual support between the two countries, particularly in difficult times.
He expressed his impression and congratulated Cuba on obtaining positive results in research and development of vaccine candidates against COVID-19.
In response, Cuban PM Manuel Marrero Cruz told Chinh that the Cuban government and people always treasure the solidarity, valuable support and sharing of hands-on experience of the Doi Moi (Renewal) process that Vietnam has given to Cuba over the past year, which has helped Cuba overcome challenges and difficulties, and successfully implement the policy of updating the socio-economic development model.
Manuel Marrero Cruz affirmed his nation's desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, health care, and pharmaceutical research and production, including the supply and transfer of COVID-19 vaccine production technology.
The pair shared experience in the COVID-19 fight in their respective nations and the possibility of cooperation in vaccine supply and production.
They agreed to direct both countries' competent agencies to urgently exchange information regarding expertise as well as coordinate necessary steps in order to reach an agreement on supply and transfer of COVID-19 vaccine production technology of Cuba to Vietnam.
The two leaders expressed their belief that the close fraternity between Vietnam and Cuba will enter a new stage of development, especially in terms of economics, trade and investment, for the mutual benefits two nations' people, contributing to peace, stability and development in the two regions.
Both side pledged to continue working closely and offering mutual support at international organizations and multilateral forums.
The Vietnamese government chief affirmed that, despite the geographical distance, Vietnam always stands side by side and supports the Caribbean nation in all circumstances.
He also expressed Vietnam's consistent stance on strongly supporting a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly calling on the US to end its longstanding embargo against Cuba.
