China will contribute an additional one million doses of the CoronaVac Covid-19 (Sinovac) vaccine to Malaysia, said Malaysia's Foreign Ministry.
It said this is on the basis of a deep friendship between the two countries and their peoples.
In a statement, the ministry said the decision was conveyed by State Councilor and Foreign Affairs Minister of China, Wang Yi, during a telephone conversation with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah on Wednesday.
"Earlier, the Chinese government had in July 2021 donated 500,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines to help Malaysia’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme," it said.
According to the ministry, Saifuddin expressed Malaysia’s appreciation to the Chinese government for this latest contribution.
"Malaysia and China have been working hand in hand since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic," it added.
The ministry said China showed solidarity with Malaysia by donating medical supplies such as face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and ventilators, distributed through government and private channels.
It added that a team of health experts was sent from Guangzhou to share their experiences and best practices in patient and data management.
Meanwhile, the ministry in its statement said Malaysia contributed US$1 million (RM4.18 million), 18 million pieces of rubber gloves, and 15 tonnes of food items to China during the initial outbreak in Wuhan.
Both governments also signed the Agreement on Cooperation in Vaccine Development and Accessibility and the Memorandum of Understanding on Post Pandemic Cooperation on Nov 18, 2020 and April 1, 2021 respectively.
The Chinese government has also listed Malaysia as a priority recipient of Chinese-made vaccines in October 2020.
"This reflects the shared commitment between Putrajaya and Beijing towards effectively addressing the pandemic and the full recovery of both nations," the statement read.
Wisma Putra pointed out that the telephone conversation was held to renew both ministers' working relations and friendship, as well as to share updates and exchange views on current regional and international affairs.
It said both ministers reaffirmed the commitment of both nations towards closer cooperation and enhancing bilateral ties.
Other than building on existing foundations to further deepen and broaden the multifaceted cooperation, it said Malaysia and China will continue to expand bilateral cooperation into new areas.
The new areas include new technology and industries such as the digital economy and cyber security, for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
Both ministers also discussed regional and international issues, including the latest developments in the South China Sea, Wisma Putra further said.
- Bernama
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