China-donated COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Dominican Republic

A shipment of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Chinese government as well as Sinovac vaccine purchased by the government of the Dominican Republic arrived in the country's capital Santo Domingo on March 17.

Dominican Republic Vice-President Raquel Pena and Minister of Public Health Daniel Rivera welcomed the vaccines at the airport and Chinese Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Zhang Run was invited to the handover ceremony. The two sides signed a handover certificate.

The arrival of Chinese vaccines was like the light at the end of a tunnel, giving the people of the Dominican Republic hope, said Pena at the ceremony, adding that the two batches of vaccines will strongly guarantee the country's vaccination plan. It fully demonstrates China's affection for the Dominican Republic and is further proof of the close relations between the two countries.

Pena said that on behalf of the government and people of the Dominican Republic she appreciated China's generous donation of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and the convenience it provided for purchasing Sinovac vaccine.

Zhang said that China has made great efforts to overcome difficulties and facilitate the Dominican Republic's access to the vaccine, which fully demonstrates its friendship with and support for the Dominican Republic.

China has taken concrete actions to honor its commitment to make Chinese vaccines a global public good and will continue to work with the Dominican Republic to fight against the pandemic and ultimately defeat it, Zhang said.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Vice-President Pena immediately announced the launch of the vaccine installation on Twitter. The country was closely following the news of the arrival of the vaccines.

The biggest local newspaper, The Listin, reported on the arrival of the vaccines on its front page with the title "The Most Expected Flight". Mainstream media such as Free Daily followed the flight situation in real time, and dozens of media livestreamed the arrival of the vaccine at the airport.

Local people have widely shared the message on social media, saying that China is a great country and thanking it for helping the Dominican Republic at its most difficult time. The arrival of the vaccine once again proves that the Dominican Republic made the right decision to establish diplomatic relations with China. China's efforts to secure global vaccine supplies are a great example of solidarity and cooperation that will save countless lives and promote economic and social recovery.