President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cyrus Poonawalla, founder and owner of Serum Institute of India. The company's CoviShield vaccine against COVID-19 was the first received by Ukraine for vaccinations.
"Vaccination is currently the number one issue not just in Ukraine but all over the world. And that's why I would like to thank Serum Institute and you personally, because the first vaccines Ukraine received were from you," said the President, addressing Cyrus Poonawalla.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished good health to the people of India, where the epidemic situation is now difficult due to the spread of COVID-19. The President stressed that he would support the provision of humanitarian aid to India.
"I know the government is considering an opportunity to provide humanitarian aid to India. I confirm that I will sign the relevant decree in the near future, and we will do everything to really help the people of India. I think that in the coming days India will definitely receive humanitarian aid from Ukraine," the President said.
Cyrus Poonawalla, for his part, said that India has already supplied our country with half a million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. He assured that Ukraine will be among the priority countries that will receive the contracted vaccine as soon as the Indian government resumes its export.
The President of Ukraine also offered Cyrus Poonawalla to study the possibilities of cooperation between Serum Institute of India and Ukrainian partners in order to jointly develop and produce drugs, medicines and vaccines in Ukraine, including those against COVID-19.