Photo:VCG

 
The production line of Chinese major COVID-19 vaccine producer Sinovac in Egypt will soon begin operating, marking the first time that China has cooperated with an African country in vaccine production in fighting the epidemic. 

China has prioritized the needs of Egypt in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic. Sinovac's production line in the country will soon be put into operation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on phone with Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt on Friday. 

The first batch of raw materials used for manufacturing Sinovac vaccine was delivered to Egypt in May.

The first 2 million doses will be produced at the plants of the Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA), Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed said in May. 

VACSERA is expected to produce more than 5 million doses of Sinovac vaccine in two months, and 40 million doses within a year, the minister was quoted as saying in a Xinhua report. Those vaccines produced in Egypt will be exported to other countries in the Middle East and Africa to help fight the pandemic, the media report said. 

On the phone call both Wang and Shoukry spoke highly of the bilateral ties and the mutual support between the two countries. 

Wang said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is in its best period and appreciated the support from Egypt for China at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

Shoukry said firm support for each other on major issues is a manifestation of the strong relationship between Egypt and China.

Global Times