Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,
Hon. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Service,
Hon. Dr. David Musabayana, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe,
Ambassadors,
Friends from the media,
Good Afternoon!
First of all, I would like to thank Comrade Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for attending this handover ceremony. Today can be a milestone in the course of Namibia's fighting against COVID-19. The 100,000 doses donated by the Chinese government are the first batch of vaccine which has arrived in Namibia, which are not only a precious gift to the Namibian people on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, but also a vivid reflection of our highly political trust, comradeship and friendship.
The COVID-19 pandemic that has been raging across the world since last year severely impacted the social and economic development of various countries, and claimed several millions of lives. In the face of COVID-19, the international community looked for each other for help and pulled together as one to tackle the virus head on, hence the further consolidation of a community with a shared future. During the fighting against the COVID-19, China and African countries have offered mutual support, stood shoulder to shoulder, and given each other valuable material and moral support. The China-Africa community with a shared future has been consolidated through solidarity and cooperation. In this hard time, we saw the the timely letter of condolence from President Hage Geingob, the telephone conversation between the two heads of state, and the donations from all walks of life in Chinese society shipped to Namibia constantly, the friendship between China and Namibia has been continuously consolidated and sublimated in combating COVID-19.
Vaccine is the most powerful weapon against the virus and brings hope for saving lives. China has been making contributions to international vaccine cooperation and equitable vaccine distribution. During the 73rd World Health Assembly and the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19, President Xi Jinping announced that COVID-19 vaccine, when available, will be made a global public good ensuring vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. In order to fulfil the solemn commitment, China has carried out vaccine R&D and production cooperation with a dozen or so countries, and 17 Chinese vaccines have entered clinical trials. More than 60 countries have authorized the use of Chinese vaccines. Despite difficulties such as limitation of production capacity, China has joined COVAX, with a commitment to provide an initial 10 million doses for emergency use in developing countries. So far, China has donated or is donating COVID-19 vaccines to 69 developing countries, including Namibia and other 34 African countries. Zimbabwe is the first African country to benefit from Chinese Vaccine. I want to mention in particular that the Zimbabwean government has provided great assistance in delivering the vaccines from Beijing to Windhoek, whose generosity fully demonstrates the brotherhood between China, Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as the spirit of international solidarity. The safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines have already earned recognition across the world. To date, more than 64 million Chinese citizens have been vaccinated. I am sure this batch of Chinese vaccine can help Namibia overcome the pandemic soon. I also hope a mutual recognition of vaccination between China and Namibia will be achieved shortly to facilitate international travelling, people to people exchanges and contribute to the revitalization of the economy!
Viva China-Namibia friendship!
Viva China-Zimbabwe friendship!
Viva China-Africa friendship!