Gates calls on Korea to play greater role in fight against COVID

 來源: 亞搏體育官網入口app 時間: 2023-01-18 18:48:22

Bill Gates gives a speech on Korea's leadership in global initiatives to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic at the National Assembly in Seoul's Yeouido, Tuesday. Joint Press Corp.

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By Lee Hae-rin

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said Tuesday that Korea is expected to play a greater role in the global fight against infectious diseases and called for a global partnership to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Korea is poised to be a leader in this work," he said during a speech at the National Assembly, noting that the Asian country has "particular strengths" in manufacturing vaccines and diagnostic equipment and also possesses R&D capabilities to lead the global fight against the pandemic.

"This is a crisis moment for global health, so this is also a fantastic time for our foundation to strengthen partnerships here with Korea, providing great ideas for new tools and more resources to help those most in need," Gates said, calling on Korea to take part in future health alliances.

Gates mentioned Korea's $200 million commitment to COVAX, the global vaccine distribution platform, voicing his appreciation for the country giving back to the international community. Korea used to be a recipient of international aid shortly after the 1950-53 Korean War, but became a donor country after developing into Asia's fourth-largest economy.