Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung (R) and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) –Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung handed over medical equipmentworth over 7 billion VND (304,000 USD) as gifts from the Vietnamese Government and people to theirLao counterparts at a ceremony in Vientiane on April 4.
Speaking at the event, Hungsaid Vietnam has been also struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with thetradition of standing side by side together in any circumstance, the VietnameseGovernment and people have and would strive to take measures in support of the Lao counterparts to fight theepidemic.
He added that the equipmentinclude protective clothing, medical and anti-septic clothing masks, test kitsand a Realtime PCR testing system.
On the occasion, the VietnameseGovernment Office also presented boxes of medical masks to the the Lao Prime Minister's Office, while the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology granted 500 test kitsworth 250 million VND to the Lao counterpart.
Except the Realtime PCR testing system, all are made and widely used in Vietnam, he said.
Hung affirmed that theVietnamese ministries, agencies and localities will continue supporting Laos in the near future.
Lao Deputy Prime Ministerand Finance Minister Somdy Duangdy, who is also head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, lauded the move as a great source ofencouragement for Lao medical staff and people amid challenges arising from thepandemic.
He said the VietnameseGovernment’s dispatch of a special flight carrying the equipment to Laos proves great friendshipand special solidarity between the two fraternal countries.
Somdy expressed his gratitudefor the Vietnamese Party, Government and people for providing invaluable andtimely support for Laos whenever the country meets difficulties and pledged to use theequipment in the most effective way.
On the occasion, he alsothanked the Vietnamese Government for creating favourable conditions andproviding care for Lao people and students in the country.
On April 3 night, nationalflag carrier Vietnam Airlines carried the medical equipment weighing about 4.8 tonnes toWattay international airport in Vientiane./.
