Combating Covid-19: Govt seeks to bring experts from China

Bangladesh sought to bring a Chinese team of experts to support Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital, which has been declared a dedicated facility in Dhaka for coronavirus treatment.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the proposal during his 45-minute telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday evening, said a foreign ministry statement yesterday.

He also spoke about the possibility of accepting a Chinese medical team of experts comprising of doctors, nurses and technicians to treat coronavirus patients and provide training to Bangladeshi medical professionals.

Momen also discussed the possibility of importing ventilators from China during this critical moment.

He requested the Chinese foreign minister to consider deferral of payments against all back to back letters of credit opened in favour of Chinese suppliers for one year.

Wang Yi responded positively and assured him of their full support to Bangladesh.

While recalling the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Xi, Momen requested his Chinese counterpart to help early repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar as promised.

Wang Yi assured to extend Chinese support to that end. The foreign ministers also reiterated support for each other in the international arena.

Wang Yi expressed gratitude and thanks to Bangladesh for the contribution of masks, hand sanitiser and hand gloves during the critical moments of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan and other parts of China.

Momen also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its testing kits, personal protection equipment and infrared thermometers.

He also mentioned the contribution of Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation.