The German Embassy in Vietnam, on its Facebook page, thanks the Vietnamese Government for giving the Germans face masks. (Photo: German Embassy Hanoi)

“True friends – Thank you, Vietnam”, wrote the German Embassy in Vietnam on its Facebook page after receiving 110,000 anti-bacterial facemasks from the Vietnamese government. The Embassy quoted Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung, highlighting the importance of international solidarity in the fight against the deadly novel coronavirus, praised the Vietnamese community in Germany for their efforts in fighting the epidemic, and cited the strength of the Germany-Vietnam friendship in this difficult period.

“Vietnam’s unity with France in the fight against Covid-19 is a reflection of the close friendship and cooperation between the two countries”, said the French Embassy in Vietnam upon receiving made-in-Vietnam facemasks which will be delivered to medical workers and patients in France in the next few days.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward thanked the Vietnamese government for its gift of medical equipment and 100,000 facemasks. Mr. Ward said that healthcare is one of the key sectors in bilateral cooperation and the two countries will continue to work closely to combat Covid-19.

On its Facebook page, the US Embassy in Vietnam posted a tweet from President Donald Trump praising Vietnam for its cooperation in delivering 450,000 protective suits to the US. Trump said this was made possible by the partnership of Vietnam and American companies.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink said in a video clip posted on Facebook: “As strong partners, the US and Vietnam will get through this together. I hope each of you and your families stay safe and healthy. Partners stand together, and we stand together with Vietnam in the fight against Covid-19.”

Identifying containing the Covid-19 pandemic as a global task, Vietnam has worked closely with the international community to fight the disease since it broke out in Wuhan, China last December. Despite limited resources, Vietnam has shared its experience and provided medical supplies and equipment to its neighbors. Cambodia’s healthcare leaders called Vietnam’s assistance vivid evidence of the close brotherly friendship and neighborliness between the two countries. Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Duangdy said Vietnam’s support is a source of encouragement for Lao healthcare workers and others.

Vietnam’s goodwill cooperation with other countries in this fight has received international praise.  American magazine The Diplomat highlighted Vietnam’s recent assistance to five European nations, saying it illustrates the “continued willingness to assist other countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis to the best of its abilities, even as the country continues to remain vigilant about managing its own challenge at home”. Vietnam donated 550,000 facemasks to five European countries to support their fight against COVID-19. The BBC lauded the overseas Vietnamese communities in several countries for their support for the local healthcare sector.