DHAKA, July 29, 2020 (BSS) – ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Dhaka Committee has provided medical supplies including PPEs and one ventilator to the government helping Bangladesh’s response in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASEAN Dhaka Committee current chair Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Viet Chien, outgoing chair Thai Ambassador Arunrung Phothong Humphreys and upcoming chair Brunei’s High Commissioner Haji Haris bin Othman handed over the supplies to foreign secretary Mausd bin Momen in the capital.
While receiving the materials Masud said people from Bangladesh and the ASEAN countries closely intermingle with each other due to their geographical, historical and cultural proximity.
The foreign secretary said that ASEAN countries are gaining importance because of increasing trade, investment, overseas employment and higher studies.
He thanked the ASEAN governments for extending support to the Bangladesh diaspora during the prolonged pandemic.
Masud noted that when all international flights were suspended due to COVID-19, good number of flights operated between Bangladesh and the South East Asian capitals.
On behalf of the ASEAN troika, Thai Ambassador appreciated various measures taken by the Bangladesh government in combating the pandemic and hoped that COVID-19 vaccine would soon be available to the global community.
She said ASEAN countries stand ready to support Bangladesh at any natural calamity or difficulty.
Besides, the ASEAN committee, the Vietnamese Ambassador also separately handed over some surgical masks to the foreign secretary on behalf of Vietnamese Community and Vietnam Embassy in Bangladesh.
Later, the supplies were handed over to the representative of the Central Police Hospital.
Additional Foreign Secretary and COVID-19 Coordinator of foreign ministry Dr Khalilur Rahman was also present on the occasion.