Hisham: Malaysia has priority recipient status for Chinese Covid-19 vaccine (updated)

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has been given priority recipient status for a Chinese-produced Covid-19 vaccine once it is developed, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Foreign Minister said the country appreciated China's commitment to prioritise Malaysia for any Covid-19 vaccine.

"We welcome China's agreement to encourage Chinese enterprises to establish all-round cooperation with Malaysian partners in vaccine research and development, and distribution," said Hishammuddin during a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 13).

Hishammuddin and Wang earlier had a face-to-face talk followed by a bilateral meeting at the hotel.

He said Malaysia and China would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the post-Covid-19 era.

"This MOU provides the broad framework of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in the post-Covid-19 era.

"I hope to sign this MOU personally in my return visit to Beijing when the situation permits," said Hishammuddin.

The minister added that the two countries had agreed to establish a high-level committee on post Covid-19 cooperation.

It will be co-chaired by the two foreign ministers.

"The high-level committee will oversee the implementation of all understandings concluded within the framework of the MOU," he said.

The bilateral meeting also discussed palm oil trade, food security and the Belt and Road Initiative, among others.

Both foreign ministers also highlighted China’s commitment to purchase 1.7 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil over the next three years. The Southeast Asian country, the world’s second largest palm oil producer and exporter, has been battling anti-palm oil lobbyists in the West in recent years.

On the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) project, Hishammuddin said both countries would only launch the RGL when the situation is safe.

"We agreed to continue discussions to facilitate cross-border movement for business and official travel between the two countries.

"While the Covid-19 pandemic still sees no end, it is important for us to plan and discuss early.

"Therefore, we will jointly launch the RGL only once the situation permits for both countries to do so," said Hishammuddin.

On the South China Sea issue, the two countries agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the region is of utmost importance.

"Disputes should be addressed through peaceful means, including through regional dialogues and discussions amongst the parties concerned, without resorting to threat or the use of force," said Hishammuddin.

Wang, who is also China's State Councillor, had arrived in Malaysia on Monday (Oct 12).

He is scheduled to leave for Singapore later Tuesday, and will conclude his tour with visits to Laos and Thailand.

He last visited Malaysia in 2018.