DILI, 28 april 2021 (TATOLI) – The Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the United State in Timor-Leste, Charles Kevin Blackstone, to discuss the actual situation in the country including the vaccine for Covid-19.
“I told the Prime Minister about vaccine assistance for covid-19, but there is no specific information about the vaccine, and from now on we can coordinate with our government and hope that there is a response in a short time,”
Ambassador Blackstone said the vaccine that will be given to Timor-Leste is still in the process of discussion, but the US is now using the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“We need first the quality of the vaccine and especially its production. Maybe in a few months, we will provide the existing vaccine,” he said.
At the same time, Ambassador Blackstone said, they also discussed challenges in Timor-Leste such as natural disasters and covid-19.
“More specifically, I spoke with the prime minister about covid because he is the one who is leading the effort to discuss with all partners to help and find solutions for the propagation of Covid-19 in the capital of Dili and the Provinces,” he said.
In 2020 the US government has provided a budget of $ 1.6 million for Timor-Leste to help Timor-Leste in the fight against covid-19, such as disinfectant and individual protection, assisting the Timor-Leste national police on the border.
“I hope that in the next coming week, I can announce new aid to Timor-Leste, at the same time talking about assistance to the Timor-Leste government to respond to natural disasters, “he said.
Journalist: Antonia Gusmão
Editor: Julia Chatarina
