Vietnam donates 550,000 face masks to five European countries crippled by Covid-19

Speaking at the symbolic handover ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Tô Anh Dũng said that Vietnam understood the toll the coronavirus pandemic was taking all over the world, including the European nations. Given the two sides’ traditional ties and strategic partnership, and the spirit of mutual support during challenging times, the Vietnamese Government has decided to do its part to help EU countries’ in their anti-pandemic efforts, and assist European people to protect their health and pull through this tough time. The Vietnamese diplomat stressed that during this global pandemic, no country alone could deal with the spread of the virus.

“Strengthening international cooperation and unity is an important factor in the protection of people’s health and well-being and in efforts to minimize the impacts of the novel coronavirus,” Deputy Minister Dũng said. Việt Nam was always “committed” and stood ready to co-ordinate, share experience and collaborate with all countries and the international community in deploying necessary measures to fight the pandemic, within bilateral and multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN-EU, the G20, and the UN.

The EU ambassadors highly appreciated the valuable gifts and extended their profound gratitude to the Government and people of Vietnam for their help during this difficult time, especially when Vietnam itself was also grappling with the outbreak. They have also expressed thanks for Vietnam in its care and treatment of European citizens found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2.