At The UN General Assembly, Putin Suggests A Special Conference To Discuss COVID-19 Vaccines

President of Russia, Vladmir Putin (photo: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding an international conference for countries interested in cooperating on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Putin conveyed this at the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

Launching Anadolu Agency, Wednesday, September 23, Putin spoke at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly via video link. He said Russia was ready to share its experiences in vaccine development. On this occasion Putin also said that his country had supplied vaccines to other countries and international entities with the Sputnik V vaccine.

"Russia believes that all the capacities of the global pharmaceutical industry need to be used to provide free access to vaccinations for residents of all states in the future," said Putin.

The Russian-made vaccine is claimed to have shown promising results in early trials. However, Russia has not yet completed the final stages of clinical trials to find out that a large number of people are receiving the effectiveness of the vaccine or placebo.

However, Russia has vaccinated top officials including Defense Ministry Sergei Shoigu and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Putin said one of his daughters had been vaccinated, had only mild reactions. Putin said Russia had received several requests from UN staff to vaccinate COVID-19 with the Sputnik V vaccine.

"We are offering to give our vaccines free of charge, for voluntary vaccination of UN staff and offices," he said.

Another Russian initiative in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic is the opening of 'green corridors free from trade wars and sanctions' for essential items such as food, medicine and personal protective equipment needed to combat the pandemic.

Not only related to COVID-19, Putin also discussed the role of the United Nations. Putin said the organization had skillfully fulfilled its mission. Putin considered that the United Nations was successful in protecting peace, promoting the sustainable development of societies and across continents, and helping in reducing local crises.

In addition, Putin also hoped for joint control in the deployment of the new missile system and suggested the signing of a binding agreement between all the leading space powers. Later the agreement regulates the prohibition of placing weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force against space objects.

"I am sure that such reciprocal measures on certain issues will provide a solid basis for launching a serious and in-depth dialogue on the whole range of factors affecting strategic stability. This would aim to achieve a comprehensive arrangement, forming a solid foundation for security. international, "said Putin.

"I want to reiterate that in a world that is interrelated and interdependent, in the midst of a vortex of international development, we need to work together based on the principles and norms of international law contained in the UN Charter," he concluded.