Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that China would prioritise countries along the Mekong River to receive a Covid-19 vaccine when trials are completed and the country makes it available.

Li said during the online Mekong-Lancang summit that China would establish a special foundation to promote public health and that the country has continued to provide support to Mekong River countries to combat Covid-19.

“A Covid-19 vaccine will be provided to countries along the Mekong River. We think that it is natural to do so, as we are neighbouring countries,” he said.

Li said the World Health Organisation (WHO) supports China’s efforts.

Early this month, WHO announced that there are currently six vaccines against Covid-19, three of which came from China. A third trial will prove if the six vaccines can protect people in large numbers in the long term.

Recently, Cambodian Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine said Cambodia has still not decided to buy a Covid-19 vaccine from any country because WHO has not yet recognised any vaccine formally.

“The production of a vaccine needs to undergo a clear and proper check. The health ministry has always worked closely with WHO. Currently, we have not yet received specific information from WHO whether a vaccine can be made available and provided to our citizens formally,” she said.

Hun Sen said at the third Mekong-Lancang summit that all countries had to express solidarity and faith in the fight against Covid-19 to ensure that it does not devastate economies and public health.

“At the same time, I would like to give a high appreciation of efforts of our friend China in producing a vaccine. [China] is committed to providing this vaccine at proper prices for developing countries,” he said.

From August 15-24, Cambodia did not record new cases of Covid-19. Of the total 273 cases recorded since January, 263 have recovered.

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