Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia is keen to start long-term cooperation with the US in the health sector, including possible co-development of mRNA vaccines to protect against COVID-19.
During her visit to the US, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on August 3 (local time).
Retno explored cooperation with the US in the provision of therapeutic drugs, cooperation in developing vaccines with mRNA technology and strengthening the global health resilience system for the long term, according to VOI News.
Indonesia expects US support to be able to build Indonesia's capacity in making the latest technological vaccines based on mRNA. Long-term cooperation efforts are important in efforts to reduce the global access gap to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines and anticipate potential pandemics in the future, she explained.
Sullivan pledged to provide additional 30 million USD for Indonesia to assist the country in the pandemic combat. The US will also continue to help Indonesia with vaccines and medical supplies.
Indonesia aims to become a COVID-19 vaccine production centre in the world.
Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan also visited the US and suggested cooperation in vaccine production between Indonesian and US firms./.
VNA
