Vaccine search ‘can revive international cooperation’

PUTRAJAYA: The search for a Covid-19 vaccine serves as the best starting point for countries to renew and strengthen international cooperation in the wake of the pandemic, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said Malaysia was of the opinion that aside from reviving international cooperation, focus must be given to eradicating the respiratory disease and restarting economies to contain, mitigate and defeat the pandemic and its spillover effects.

Speaking at a high-level video conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation, the Foreign Minister said while the pandemic was a tragedy, it was also an opportunity for the global community to rebuild differently and together.

“As my brothers in China always remind me, there is a Chinese saying which means a setback may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. As one of the earliest members of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Malaysia believes enhancing collective economic growth and social development will benefit all,” he said.

In eradicating Covid-19, Hishammuddin said Malaysia was of the opinion that priority should be on the medication needed for treatment and the vaccine required to prevent future infections.

“In order to truly declare a victory against Covid-19, we need medication and vaccines that are available, accessible and equitable for all nations. I believe we, as BRI nations, big or small, must come together and foster more synergies to assist those more in need,” he said.