DUSHANBE, 17.10.2020 (NIAT Khovar) –   Central Asian countries and Russia are going to continue the implement joint projects for the sake of strengthening the sanitary and epidemiological protection of the population amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan which was issued following an online conference Central Asia Plus Russia.

«We are determined to continue the implementation of joint projects and exchanges of  research results against infectious diseases, build up the laboratory potential and train specialists. The collective system of monitoring and prompt response to emergencies will continue to be developed,» says the statement made public by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry.

The foreign ministers stressed the coordinating role of the World Health Organization in preventing sanitary and epidemiological threats.

«The possibility is being considered of increasing government-financed vacancies at Russian universities for students from partner states in the field of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population. Russia will continue to provide direct research, methodological and consultative assistance for monitoring COVID-19 rates, therapeutic, and preventive measures,» the statement says.

The participating countries seek to build up research and industrial potential in the field of pharmaceuticals and joint production of crucial medicines, vaccines and protective items.

«We will promote joint work to study the origins of COVID-19, forms of diseases caused by that infection and also develop therapeutic methods and preventive measures. Cooperation along these lines with the WHO will continue. We welcome mutual support by our countries for extending humanitarian assistance and promoting the repatriation of citizens from near and far abroad countries,» the statement says.