Nations’ combined efforts key to end Covid-19: Russian envoy

FILE: Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev in Makati City on Tuesday (October 22, 2019). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Friday said the “combined efforts” of all nations is the key to defeating coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He recalled the unity displayed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom in toppling down the Nazi regime during World War II.

“Now all of us also have a common enemy– coronavirus disease. And I think it should be a message to all of us, it’s high time to put aside all disputes, all differences and concentrate our combined efforts on the struggle against this common enemy,” he told reporters during a virtual conference.

The statement came as Moscow’s celebrates Victory Day, a Russian holiday that commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Khovaev said no country, big or small, would be able to go against the pandemic on its own.

On global efforts to address the pandemic, Khovaev noted that Russia is currently developing a vaccine, which the Philippines is also keen to join.

READ: PH keen to join Russia-led clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine

“The Russian side is open for cooperation with Philippine partners. In line with our fundamental approach, all of us need to combine our efforts,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that Manila did not accept the offered medicine called Cycloferon, an anti-viral drug earlier donated to Indonesia to manage Covid-19 patients.

“This donation was not accepted… this medicine can be used against the virus diseases but after the study of all materials provided by the Russian company Polysan, the Philippine side made the conclusion that this medicine cannot be used against Covid-19. That’s why the donation was not accepted,” he said.

Nevertheless, the Philippines thanked Polysan for its offer, Khovaev said.

“It’s up to our Philippine partners. In any case, we respect any decision taken by the Philippine side,” Khovaev said.