ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT E.D. MNANGAGWA ON THE HANDOVER OF THE SECOND BATCH OF CHINESE COVID-19 VACCINES: 16 MARCH, 2021 ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HARARE
I welcome you to this momentous event which marks yet another milestone in the robust development and consolidation of our bilateral relations and cooperation, in relation to the on-going fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you are aware, today we are gathered to receive the second batch of 200 000 vaccine doses donated to Zimbabwe by the People’s Republic of China; and a consignment of 200 000 vaccine doses procured by Zimbabwe from Sinovac as well as 1 200 000 medical consumables procured from Sinopharm.
On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, allow me to yet again express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Xi Jinping and the fraternal people of China for this generous gesture of support.
Their continued assistance and solidarity have indeed lightened our burden in an otherwise difficult period whilst also positively impacting the health, well-being, protection and recovery of our people.
Your Excellency,
We are making steady progress in the fight against the pandemic and in the on-going National COVID-19 Vaccination Roll-out Programme.
We remain thankful to China for the support of this programme. This includes the timely provision of epidemiological expertise and personal protective equipment (PPE) among other aspects.
My administration is confident that this vaccination intervention will greatly contribute to our country’s realisation of herd immunity.
The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will further guarantee a Zimbabwe that continues on its course to achieve Vision 2030.
We are determined to emerge out of this pandemic with greater capability to play a more effective role towards peace, harmony and prosperity within the comity of nations.
The People’s Republic of China’s unparalleled readiness to avail access to the vaccines for commercial procurement testifies to our shared and mutual desire to continue enhancing cooperation particularly in these times of distress and competition for resources.
The fact that we are the only country in Africa which has to date received the second batch of the vaccine doses from China, attests to the strong, comprehensive and strategic nature of our partnership.
We look forward to broadening and deepening our relations in the Post COVID-19 era.
It is within this spirit of lasting and tested friendship that I, on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, warmly receive this consignment of the much needed COVID-19 vaccines.
In conclusion, I once again request that you convey our deep gratitude for your great country’s support and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
I thank you.
