KATHMANDU: French Ambassador to Nepal, Francois-Xavier LEGER on Wednesday handed over 7 tons of humanitarian cargo consisting of relief equipment to the government of Nepal in order to fight the Covid-19 crisis.
The materials – masks, antigen test kits, respirators/ventilators, and visors were delivered by an Airbus A350 which was put in place by the Airbus Foundation as a courtesy. The Airbus landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Wednesday morning.
The health supplies that arrived this morning include 504,000 FFP2 masks, 20,225 Antigen test kits, 12,000 protection glasses, and 14 respirator masks.
Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi thanked the French government and its people for their support. He also called on France and the European Union to facilitate vaccinations against coronavirus.
Ambassadors of the Delegation of the European Union, Germany and Finland were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to Khabarhub at the TIA, French Ambassador LEGER said, “France stands by the side with Nepal in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added that a global solution and cooperation are required to combat the current crisis, and France, along with other EU member states, is committed to helping Nepal and the Nepal population to fight the crisis.
Receiving the materials, Minister for Health and Population Tripathi thanked the French government and the Ambassador for the support.
Talking to Khabarhub, Minister Tripathi said, “The government is committed to combat the pandemic and save the lives of the Nepali people.”
He said that the government would also use the equipment donated by France in the combat against the pandemic adding, “The government is also prepared for the third wave of the pandemic.”
Minister Tripathi further said that the Ministry has already started preparations, including ventilators, oxygen, and isolation centers, to combat the possible outbreak of the third wave of the pandemic.
Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nepal, Nona Deprez said that the EU was committed to supporting Nepal in its fight against the pandemic.
Ambassador of Finland to Nepal Pertti Anttinen said the EU, in solidarity with Nepal, is committed to Nepal’s development efforts and supports its people during all times, particularly in a crisis.
Likewise, German Ambassador to Nepal Roland Schafer said Germany is sending medical supplies to Nepal next week.
“We will come together to fight against this dreadful pandemic,” he said.
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