Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Bá Hùng hands over medical equipment to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Somdy Duangdy. — VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Bá Hùng handed over medical equipment worth over VNĐ7 billion (US$304,000) as a gift from the Vietnamese Government and people to their Lao counterparts at a ceremony in Vientiane on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Hùng said Việt Nam was also struggling to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the spirit of standing side-by-side together in any circumstances, the Vietnamese Government and people would continue to support Laos in the fight against the pandemic.

He added that the equipment included protective clothing, medical and anti-sceptic masks, test kits and a Realtime PCR testing system.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Government Office also presented boxes of medical masks to the Lao Prime Minister's Office, while the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology granted 500 test kits worth VNĐ250 million to their Lao counterparts.

Apart from the Realtime PCR testing system, all the donations were made in Việt Nam, he said. 

Hùng said Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities would continue their support for Laos in the near future.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and 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 of encouragement for Lao medical staff and people amid the challenges arising from the pandemic.

He said the Vietnamese Government’s dispatch of a special flight carrying the equipment to Laos proved great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries.

Somdy expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, Government and people for providing invaluable and timely support for Laos whenever the country was in difficulties and pledged to use the equipment in the most effective way.

On the occasion, he also thanked the Vietnamese Government for creating favourable conditions and providing care for Lao people and students in the country.

On April 3, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines carried the medical equipment weighing about 4.8 tonnes to Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. — VNS

Medical equipment donated by the Vietnamese Government was transported to Laos by Vietnam Airlines on April 4. — VNA/VNS Photo