Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 1 – China is a strategic supplier of COVID19 vaccine to Cambodia, prime minister Hun Sen announced in his special message on Thursday morning.

Some countries only promise to assist the Kingdom but no actions yet, he continued.

The premier announced also the change of plan from buying 10 million doses from Australia and COVAX Facility, but will buy more vaccines from China instead.

The premier said, "It was the right decision, otherwise Cambodia, would not have enough vaccinate to inoculate her people.

“Without our friends, we can not even vaccinate 200,000 Cambodian people not to mention 4 million,” he added.

Cambodia has received more than 11 million doses of vaccine, of which only 324,000 doses were from COVAX Facility. The rest are obtained from China through donations and commercial procurement.

He also confirmed the arrival of another 9 million doses of Chinese vaccines in July and August.

"If not China, who can I ask for help? It is a fact. Some countries promise to help, but no actions. Only China takes actions,” he underlined.

Samdech mentioned that some countries have promised to provide 1 or 2 billion doses but Cambodia receives nothing. Some companies or countries even told Cambodia to deposit money for vaccine purchases, but no specific date for deliveries.

"[Cambodia] must continue to choose China as a strategic partner for the supply of vaccines. Assistances from other sources will count as support. Foreign friends must understand Cambodia. If you do not help us, we have no one to seek assistances apart from China,” premier Hun Sen stated.

As of 30 June 2021, Cambodia has vaccinated more than 4 million Cambodian people and foreigners living in the Kingdom.

Cambodia is ranked the second country in ASEAN region following Singapore for the successful vaccination campaign.
=FRESH NEWS