Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of National Defence handed over medical suppliesto Cuba at a ceremony in Hanoi on July 16 to aid its fight against thecoronavirus.
The aid includedquick COVID-19 test kits, medical masks, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
In remarksat the ceremony, Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh said success incontaining the COVID-19 pandemic not only requires the efforts of each countrybut also international cooperation. “International cooperation in COVID-19response is crucial,” he said.
Vietnam hasbeen moved by the efforts of the Politburo of the Cuban Communist Party to quicklyrespond to all of its requests for cooperation in defence and COVID-19 reliefsince the disease broke out, he noted.
Thedeputy minister said Vietnam greatly appreciates Cuba sending hundreds ofhealth care workers and medicine to many countries around the world to help fightthe pandemic, despite facing numerous difficulties itself.
In thecurrent circumstance, Vietnam and Cuba providing each other with medicalsupplies is vivid evidence of the brotherhood and solidarity between the twocountries, which is significant and meaningful to bilateral relations, Vinhwent on to say.
It willhelp both sides together be victorious over COVID-19 and at the same time lay afoundation for long-term cooperation in health care, he added.
CubanAmbassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera thanked Vietnam for its medical support,saying she is very happy that both countries have controlled the disease betterthan many developed nations.
The aid clearlydemonstrates the special friendship between the two countries’ people, shesaid. “We have never abandoned each other, even in the most difficult situation.”
Vietnamand Cuba celebrate 60 years of bilateral diplomatic this year (December 2, 1960- 2020)./.