China-donated COVID-19 vaccine and anti-pandemic supplies arrive in Solomon Islands

A shipment of anti-pandemic supplies donated by China arrived in Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, on Jan 26.

Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Li Ming, Solomon Islands Health Minister Hon. Culwick Togamana and other senior government officials received the shipment and signed a vaccine handover certificate at the airport.

Li said China has been paying close attention to the recent community outbreak of the pandemic in the Solomon Islands and provided 50,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and 20,000 test reagents as part of an emergency assistance scheme.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Solomon Islands two years ago, relations between the two countries have flourished and cooperation in various fields has been fruitful, Li noted, adding that the Chinese government firmly supports the efforts of the islands’ government and people in fighting the pandemic, maintaining stability, stopping violence, and building the country.

China will continue to uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, actively implement the Global Development Initiative, and continuously promote the in-depth development of relations between China and the Solomon Islands on the basis of equality and mutual respect, so as to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries and jointly maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the Pacific island region, Li said.

Togamana said today is an important moment of historical significance. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has always stood firmly with the Solomon Islands, assisting the country with vaccines, medical supplies and infrastructure, practicing the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During the most recent outbreak in Solomon Islands, China has once again provided vaccines and testing reagents, which will greatly speed up the vaccinations and effectively enhance the government's ability to fight the pandemic, he said.

Togamana thanked the Chinese government and people for their generous donation and firm support, adding that China is a true friend and good partner of the Solomon Islands.