22.12.2020
The Government took a decision to explore the possibility of providing vaccines against COVID-19 to countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership. This will be possible providing the Bulgarian demand is met and in compliance with the procedures of the countries for this matter and with the terms of the preliminary agreements concluded between the European Commission and the pharmaceutical industries.
“We have the best intentions. We do it for the sake of the life and health of our closest neighbors,” Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said at today’s cabinet sitting.
Health Minister Kostadin Angelov pointed out that the purpose of this decision is to achieve solidarity in pulling out of the pandemic crisis.
Venko Filipče, Minister of Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, said that his country is extremely grateful to Bulgaria’s Government in these times of hardship. “We highly appreciate that. It is extremely important for us to have access to vaccines. We should help each other and be good friends. I express deep gratitude on behalf of the whole Government of the Republic of North Macedonia,” Venko Filipče added.
After the cabinet sitting, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent between the Ministries of Health of Bulgaria and of the Republic of North Macedonia. The parties agreed that given the currently complicated epidemic situation as caused by COVID-19, the protection of human health is a paramount concern for each country and therefore, both signatories noted that providing it is possible and subject to subsequent conclusion of international agreements, they will make an all-out effort to promote cooperation and coordination in the fight against COVID-19, inter alia, including the exploration of possibilities to meet the vaccine demands and to provide vaccines against COVID-19 to the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia.
