I welcome the increased health cooperation (in between the two countries) throughout the pandemic
Jakarta – Indonesia and New Zealand affirm the significance of equity in access to vaccines for all countries to accelerate the process of freeing the world of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The declaration was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi following a bilateral conference with her New Zealand equivalent, Nanaia Mahuta, in Jakarta on Monday.
” I invite the increased health cooperation (in between the two countries) during the pandemic,” said Minister Marsudi at a virtual press rundown.
As part of the cooperation between the two countries during the pandemic, New Zealand provided Indonesia 684,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine under the dose-sharing plan, Marsudi kept in mind. The dosages were gotten last month, she stated.
Aside from that, cooperation was also carried out through the Eijkman Molecular Biology Institute to increase COVID-19 testing abilities, along with UNICEF to increase the capacity of public health and medical equipment in Indonesia, she added.
Associated news: Indonesia seeks cooperation with Pacific nations for financial recovery
New Zealand demonstrated its assistance to Indonesia through contributions of vaccines along with ventilators, fast test packages, and assistance for the Eijkman Institute, Marsudi said.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand conveyed her gratitude towards her Indonesian equivalent as one of the co-chairs of the COVAX Advance Market Commitment Engagement Group that has played a part in making sure equivalent access to vaccines for all countries.
” We concur that close worldwide cooperation is essential, not only in reaction to the pandemic but likewise towards financial healing,” said Minister Mahuta.
International cooperation in pandemic handling has ended up being the focus of New Zealand’s management of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, she noted.
Associated news: Indonesia lauds New Zealand as bridge between SE Asia, Pacific
” And I am sure that this will be one of the top priority areas for Indonesia in its presidency of the G20 next year,” she said.
Aside from bilateral cooperation in health, energy, and economy, the 2 ministers likewise discussed regional concerns, consisting of the circumstance in Myanmar and Afghanistan during their conference.
Indonesia and New Zealand share the same concerns over security and human rights conditions in Afghanistan and Myanmar that are currently dealing with disputes, the ministers stated.
They likewise exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific.
As a dialogue partner to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand reaffirmed its dedication towards the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and recognizing peace and stability in the region.
” Indo-Pacific is an area that is open for trade and investment, an inclusive area, a region with sovereignty that is respected by all nations, big and small, an area that pursues peace and stability. I declare New Zealand’s dedication to the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN as its center, with an area that is based upon the law, including UNCLOS,” Mahuta said.
Associated news: Indonesia’s COVID-19 vaccinations top WHO target
Related news: Gov’ t prioritizing senior over kids for COVID-19 vaccination
