Antigua and Barbuda PM receives China-donated COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine donated by China to Antigua and Barbuda arrived in the country's capital Saint John's on June 29.

Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Foreign Minister Chet Greene, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph and Charge d 'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda Wang Erdong went to the V. C. Bird International Airport and attended the welcome ceremony for the vaccine.

Wang said at the welcome ceremony that viruses know no border or races. The Chinese vaccine assistance to Antigua and Barbuda is a token of the Chinese people's deep friendship to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and reflects the Chinese government's international philosophy of sticking together in times of trouble and advocating solidarity and cooperation.

It's a practical action taken by China to improve the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries. China is willing to continue to provide support to Antigua and Barbuda within its capacity to jointly combat the pandemic and promote bilateral relations to a new level, said Wang.

On behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda government, Browne thanked China for donating the vaccine, a powerful weapon in the anti-pandemic fight, saying that the Chinese vaccine has proven its effectiveness and safety.

Browne warmly praised China as one of the closest partners of Antigua and Barbuda, always giving a helping hand when his country faces difficulties and providing valuable support for the development of Antigua and Barbuda's economy and livelihood over the years.

China has always been at the forefront of helping and supporting other developing countries. China's generous assistance is all the more valuable at a time when some countries are still stockpiling vaccines. Browne said that Antigua and Barbuda will continue to firmly develop its relationship with China and continuously deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Greene and Joseph also expressed their deep gratitude for China's vaccine donation, saying that China is the most sincere and precious friend of Antigua and Barbuda, and that China has donated testing reagents, protective suits and other pandemic prevention materials to Antigua and Barbuda many times. They stressed that the arrival of the Chinese vaccine will make a positive contribution to the early realization of "mass immunization" in Antigua and Barbuda.