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PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has received priority recipient status for a Covid-19 vaccine produced in China once it is developed, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The foreign minister said the country appreciates China’s commitment to prioritize Malaysia for any Covid-19 vaccine.
“We welcome China’s agreement to encourage Chinese companies to establish comprehensive cooperation with Malaysian partners in vaccine research, development and distribution,” Hishammuddin said during a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 13).
Hishammuddin and Wang had a face-to-face talk followed by a bilateral meeting at the hotel.
He said Malaysia and China would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the post-Covid-19 era.
“This MOU provides the broad framework of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in the post-Covid-19 era.
“I look forward to signing this memorandum of understanding personally on my return visit to Beijing when the situation permits,” Hishammuddin said.
The minister added that the two countries agreed to establish a high-level committee on post-Covid-19 cooperation.
It will be co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers.
“The high-level committee will oversee the implementation of all the understandings concluded under the MOU,” he said.
The bilateral meeting also discussed palm oil trade, food security, and the Belt and Road Initiative, among others.
On the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) project, Hishammuddin said that both countries would only launch the RGL when the situation is safe.
“We agreed to continue discussions to facilitate the cross-border movement of business and official travel between the two countries.
“While the Covid-19 pandemic has no end yet, it is important that we plan and discuss early.
“Therefore, we will jointly launch the RGL only once the situation allows it for both countries,” Hishammuddin said.
On the issue of the South China Sea, the two countries agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the region is of utmost importance.
“Disputes must be addressed by peaceful means, including through regional dialogues and discussions between interested parties, without resorting to threats or the use of force,” Hishammuddin said.
Wang, who is also a State Councilor of China, arrived in Malaysia on Monday (October 12).
He is scheduled to depart for Singapore later Tuesday and conclude his tour with visits to Laos and Thailand.
He last visited Malaysia in 2018.
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