BEIJING: China supports Peru’s efforts to arrange a phase 3 clinical trial for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, adding that the move shows a high degree of trust between the two countries.
In a phone conversation with Peruvian Foreign Minister Mario Lopez, Wang said China understands Peru’s need to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. He reiterated China’s commitment that its vaccines, once developed and put into use, will be made a global public good and provided to developing countries on a priority basis. The health authorities of Peru approved the phase 3 clinical trial for the Sinopharm vaccine in August.
Phase 3 trials, which usually involve several thousand participants, allow researchers to gather data on the efficacy and safety of potential vaccines for final regulatory approvals.Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Peru, Wang noted, urging efforts made to strengthen political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two. He said China and Peru are highly complementary in development stages and called for joint efforts to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Lopez thanked China for its support and help to Peru in its fight against COVID-19. Peru supports the phase 3 clinical trial for the Sinopharm vaccine and looks forward to buying vaccines from China, he said. The two countries should actively promote the building of the Belt and Road and deepen cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, science and technology, as well as renewable energy, said the Peruvian foreign minister. Peru welcomes Chinese companies to invest in the Latin American country and will provide a fair and non-discriminatory environment, he told Wang. Wang also had a phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Costa Rica Rodolfo Solano on Thursday, during which Wang described Costa Rica a “genuine friend” and “trustworthy partner.”
–The Daily Mail-CGTN
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