An article in the US-based magazine The Diplomat on April 8 highlighted Vietnam’s recent assistance to five European nations, saying it illustrates the “continued willingness to assist other countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis to the best of its abilities, even as the country continues to remain vigilant about managing its own challenge at home”.

Vietnam donated 550,000 face masks to five European countries on April 7 to support their fight against COVID-19. The masks, made of antimicrobial fabric, were handed to the ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK in Hanoi.

“The development itself is in line with Vietnam’s broader diplomacy amid COVID-19 thus far, which has seen it make offers of assistance to other countries as well, including neighbouring countries Cambodia and Laos as well as individual European countries such as Italy,” the article said.

It also laid stress on Vietnam’s recognition that “strengthening international cooperation and unity” is an important factor in minimising the impact of COVID-19.

The author remarked that the country’s assistance put the spotlight on relations between Vietnam and key European nations during the global pandemic.

Both sides have also been working to share information on the security of their citizens and continuing with key developments such as the final steps in ratifying the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement, which is expected to receive approval by Vietnam’s lawmakers in May so it can go into effect this summer.

Thus far, Vietnam has reported over 200 COVID-19 cases but no deaths, and it has taken additional measures including restrictions on movement and stepping up the production of masks, the article noted./