The following are remarks by H.E. Tian Qi, Ambassador of China to Jamaica, on the handover of the vaccines donated by the Government of China to Jamaica on November 24.

Last Sunday marked the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Jamaica. On this joyful occasion, it is my great pleasure to welcome and hand over the vaccines to Jamaica on behalf of the Government of China. The vaccines represent the goodwill of Chinese government and people to support Jamaica’s response to the pandemic, and is further evidence of our deep friendship and solid strategic partnership.

We are friends sharing weal and woe. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been working closely to tide over difficulties and combat the disease side by side. At this moment, the spread of the COVID-19 virus is still ongoing, and we are determined to continue supporting our Jamaican friends within our capability, and sharing our experience and technology in effectively controlling the pandemic and rapidly returning to normal economic and social order. Vaccines are the best weapon against the virus. Chinese vaccines have been widely used in the world and proved safe and effective, and will surely assist Jamaica’s efforts to promote its vaccination programme to safeguard the safety and health of Jamaican people. I firmly believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and with the joint efforts of Jamaican Government and people, with the support of China and the international community, Jamaica will win the battle against the pandemic and achieve economic and social recovery soon.

The Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping calls on the international community to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for more robust, greener and more balanced global development, and foster a global community of development with a shared future. The vaccine cooperation fully demonstrates China’s resolution to implement the Initiative together with Jamaica. China stays committed to cooperating with Jamaica to push forward our strategic partnership to a new level, and bring more benefits to our two countries and two peoples.

China has provided more COVID-19 vaccine doses overseas than any other country, and the vast majority of jabs for developing countries come from China. Currently, China has provided more than 1.7 billion doses of finished and bulk vaccines to over 110 countries and international organisations, and will provide over two billion doses by the end of 2021. So far, more than 100 countries and international organisations have granted market approval or emergency use for Chinese COVID-19 vaccines, and over one billion doses of Chinese vaccines have been administered abroad. China will continue providing more vaccines to developing countries through various means including donation, so as to make greater contributions to equitable access to vaccines and an early victory over the pandemic.

With solidarity, we are confident and capable of overcoming the challenges and bringing the pandemic to an end sooner.

I wish you and Jamaican people safety, good health and happiness.

Big up, Jamaica!

Thank you all！