China's COVID-19 testing kits arrive in Laos

Lao staff members receive medical supplies provided by the Chinese government at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, March 18, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Laos)

VIENTIANE -- A shipment of COVID-19 testing kits provided by the Chinese government arrived here on Mar 18.

Other urgently needed preventative and protective materials such as face masks and protective suits, which the Chinese government has promised to provide, will arrive later.

Also on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong exchanged views on enhancing epidemic prevention and control cooperation with Lao Health Minister Bounkong Syhavong.

The Chinese ambassador said the Lao side has extended support in various aspects to China in its fight against the COVID-19, including the donation of 700,000 U.S. dollars and multiple shipments of epidemic prevention materials.

As the COVID-19 is now spreading globally and Laos is under mounting pressure in preventing and controlling the virus, China is ready to provide to Laos the much-needed protective materials, which is a specific measure taken by China to implement President Xi Jinping's important directive on actively carrying out international cooperation to prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as a lively practice to carry out the action plan on building a China-Laos community with a shared future inked by President Xi and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith, Jiang said.

Lao Health Minister Bounkong said that under the leadership of President Xi China has taken efficient and effective epidemic prevention and control measures and  is about to win the war against the disease.

With the COVID-19 spreading across the world, Laos is facing a risk of imported cases, the minister said, adding that the preventative and protective materials provided by China will boost his country's capability and confidence on fighting the disease.