Liu Jingzhen, chairman of China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm), met with Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 25. 

The meeting focused on the collaborative efforts between Sinopharm and Barbados in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and explored potential partnerships in healthcare and pharmaceutical projects.

Liu Jingzhen (R), chairman of Sinopharm, talks with Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, on June 25. [Photo/sinopharm.com]

The prime minister expressed heartfelt gratitude for Sinopharm's assistance in Barbados' fight against the pandemic and acknowledged its timely support during the country's most challenging moments. 

She commended Sinopharm for embodying the Chinese proverb "misfortune tests the sincerity of friends" through concrete actions. 

Reflecting on her experiences at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt last year, Mottley recognized the opportunities for collaboration in medicine and healthcare. She said she hopes that Barbados will become Sinopharm's business hub in the Caribbean region and foster deeper cooperation with neighboring countries and regions. 

Additionally, she suggested the establishment of Sinopharm research institutions and production bases in Barbados to jointly develop new drugs and technologies for global public health benefit.

The two sides have a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 25. [Photo/sinopharm.com]

Liu extended his gratitude for the prime minister's commendation and trust in Sinopharm. He highlighted the enduring friendship between China and Barbados since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 40 years ago and thanked the prime minister for her personal efforts in facilitating the entry of Sinopharm vaccines into Barbados, which effectively safeguarded people’s lives and health. 

Currently, Sinopharm’s vaccines have been approved for registration and listing or granted access for use in 119 countries, regions and international organizations worldwide. The production and supply have exceeded 3.5 billion doses, covering vaccination populations in 196 countries, he said. 

Liu provided a detailed overview of Sinopharm's achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its comprehensive strategic layout across the entire lifecycle, industry chain, and ecosystem of pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. 

He expressed Sinopharm's commitment to furthering discussions with Barbados with a focus on continued collaboration, increased research and technological efforts, as well as comprehensive cooperation in the field of healthcare to contribute to the medical and health sector in Barbados.

Liu also looked forward to practical cooperation between the two sides benefiting the lives, health and well-being of the two peoples and advancing the building of a global community of health for all.

Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, shakes hands with Sinopharm Chairman Liu Jingzhen (R). [Photo/sinopharm.com]