In a telephonic conference with German chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed her country’s success in containing the pandemic and its role as one of the biggest sponsors of global vaccine access mechanism Covax, according to the government news portal.

He sought German assistance for Vietnam to quickly gain access to Covid vaccines and transfer of vaccine production technologies by its pharmaceutical firms.

He thanked German authorities for their gift to Vietnam of one million Covid test kits.

Merkel appreciated Vietnam's achievements in the coronavirus fight and the bilateral cooperation and mutual support amid the pandemic.

The leader also discussed other areas of mutual interest, agreeing to step up developmental efforts in certain priority fields like climate change and sustainable development.

They agreed to support each other in international forums and help boost ASEAN-EU relations.

Chinh invited Merkel to visit Vietnam, and she accepted his offer.