Chinese vaccine aid shows friendship with Middle East

Over a year after the COVID-19 outbreak in the Middle East, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down despite various control measures. The total number of confirmed cases has recently surpassed 10 million in the region, with some countries experiencing new peaks in infections.

As the region has passed the threshold of the grim record, many Middle East countries face mounting pressures.

In addition to various control measures, countries also pin high hopes on vaccines.

To support the vaccination drives in the region, China has provided vaccines to many Middle East countries, such as Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey.

China's vaccine aid and exports came in the face of production shortfalls and distribution disparities across the globe.

On Dec. 30, 2020, the first batch of China's Sinovac vaccine arrived in Turkey. In mid-January, Turkey launched its vaccination campaign after 14 days of testing the Chinese jabs.

So far, over 11.03 million doses of the Chinese vaccine have been administered across Turkey, and more than 7.89 million people have been vaccinated in the country.

For countries still struggling in prolonged wars and deep-rooted conflicts, the pandemic is adding to the suffering of local people.

In Iraq, the COVID-19 curfew was extended last week due to a continued increase in infections.

Meanwhile, Chinese vaccine exports have arrived in Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with China offering vaccine aid to countries including Egypt and Algeria.

Further cooperation is expected between China and the region.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service