May 27: China has announced to provide 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Nepal. The Chinese government has declared to provide those vaccines free-of-cost to Nepal.

On Wednesday, President Bidya Devi Bhandari held a telephone conversation with her Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping, who pledged to provide 1 million doses of  vaccine free-of-cost to Nepal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the two presidents held general discussion and exchanged views on the overall relations between Nepal and China, as well as assistance related to COVID-19.

President Bhandari expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for helping Nepal fight against Covid-19. China has continuously helped Nepal with life-saving medicines, medical equipment and other health items during this pandemic.

President Bhandari thanked China for providing 800,000 doses of vaccines to Nepal in the past. She praised President Xi's statement that the vaccine against COVID-19 should readily be available all around the world. President Xi also requested Nepal to purchase vaccine against COVID-19 from China.

President Xi acknowledged the difficult situation Nepal is going through due to the second wave of coronavirus and has assured that China would always be ready to lend a helping hand to Nepal in this fight against Covid-19. In the statement released by the Ministry, President Xi has assured Nepal saying China has placed Nepal in top priority regarding the assistance with vaccination.

Expressing gratitude for the Chinese President's announcement to provide additional vaccines during the current crisis, President Bhandari expressed confidence that Chinese assistance would continue in Nepal’s fight against Covid-19.