Acting health minister Nguyễn Thanh Long (left) hands over 200,000 face masks to Laos Ambassador to Việt Nam Sengphet Houngboungnuang. — Photo courtesy of Ministry of Health

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese Ministry of Health presented 200,000 medical face masks to Laos on Wednesday to support the country in combating COVID-19.

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Acting Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long highlighted the special relationship between the two countries, saying the governments have coordinated closely in the fight against the disease.

Việt Nam highly values the efforts of the Lao Government and people in preventing and controlling the pandemic, he said, adding that the two sides are considering when to resume activities in all respects.

The minister said it is necessary to establish a regular information channel, with technical and equipment assistance, to cope with the pandemic as well as other diseases, adding that the two ministries should coordinate closer in the future.

Lao Ambassador to Việt Nam Sengphet Houngboungnuang thanked the Ministry of Health for its gift and spoke of the support provided by the Vietnamese Government and people to his country.

He congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in responding to the disease, saying that the Government and people of Laos are still carefully working towards controlling the outbreak. — VNS