Spain’s Ambassador to Vietnam Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop expressed her thanks to Vietnam for its co-operation in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) during a recent interview granted to VOV.

The Spanish Ambassador at a ceremony to present medical supplies
from the Vietnamese Government (Photo: VNA)

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic affecting nations throughout the globe, coupled with the serious death toll across Europe, the Vietnamese government has donated a total of 550,000 made-in-Vietnam antibacterial cloth masks to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, all of which are European nations heavily affected by the virus.

This timely support provided to European countries by the Vietnamese government serves as a great source of spiritual encouragement and is a clear message of the nation’s solidarity and strong commitment in the current battle against the deadly disease.

In discussing this show of support, the Spanish diplomat expressed her gratitude to the Vietnamese government and people, saying that these actions underline the spirit of support and friendly co-operation that exists between the two nations. Indeed, the European country is looking forward to increasing this fruitful partnership in the future.

 “I think that not only for Spain but also for many countries, medical masks are now very important and necessary personal items in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic. I am sure that many Spanish people will feel safer when using Vietnamese masks. The gift is very practical, thank you Vietnam. These masks convey a message that our two countries and other nations around the world can defeat the disease together,” she said.

Regarding the current pandemic situation in Spain and solutions devised by the Spanish government to slow the spread of this disease in near future, the Ambassador declared that the situation in the European country remains serious, despite a few optimistic signs.

However, Spain has endured many deaths caused by the COVID-19, with over 18,000 people having died as a result of the disease, although the figure is starting to slow following the implementation of social distancing measures.

“I believe that, together with close co-operation between Vietnam and Spain, alongside other nations across the globe, we will jointly repel the pandemic in the near future,” she added.

Asked about her assessment of the Vietnamese government's efforts in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish diplomat noted, “Vietnam really have done well. I am very impressed with the Vietnamese government's measures as well as the actions of the Vietnamese people in recent times. I know you have gone through many pandemics and therefore have experience in quick response, but I also understand that much of it is due to the awareness of the Vietnamese people as everyone is very serious about following regulations set by the government regarding epidemic prevention and control.”

She concluded by saying the Vietnamese government has done a great job in dealing with suspected cases to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, the country has provided transparent information regarding new infections and suspected cases, therefore contributing to stopping the threat of community infection.