Timor-Leste's deputy PM hails China’s vaccine assistance

In the face of the severe COVID-19 pandemic, the people of Timor-Leste are in urgent need of vaccine protection, and China's vaccine assistance is very important and timely, said Armanda Berta dos Santos, Timor-Leste's deputy prime minister.

He made the remarks at the handover ceremony of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China on June 5.

On the same day, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste Xiao Jianguo transferred the Sinovac vaccine and syringes to the government of Timor-Leste at the Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport. Armanda signed the handover document with Xiao.

Xiao said that since April this year, the pandemic has caused a deteriorating situation in Timor-Leste. China has followed the development of the pandemic in Timor-Leste and attached great importance to the country's request for vaccine assistance.

The vaccine donation demonstrates China's firm support for Timor-Leste's anti-pandemic fight and the great importance of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.

China will continue to follow the changes and developments of the pandemic in Timor-Leste and provide assistance for the prevention and control of COVID-19. It will also help with economic and social recovery in the country, said Xiao.

Timor-Leste's Health Minister Odete Maria Belo said that in the fight against the pandemic, China has stood firmly with Timor-Leste, promptly provided large amounts of medical supplies to the country, and strongly supported its anti-pandemic fight.