Bahraini authorities are interested in producing the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on their territory, Bahraini Ambassador to Russia Ahmad al-Saati told RIA Novosti.
"Bahrain is extremely interested in cooperation with Russia in vaccine production. There is an agreement in principle and proposals from Bahrain to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). We want to create a small laboratory for the production of vaccines not only for coronavirus. We will start with the vaccine Sputnik V, it will become the basis, over time we will begin production of vaccines against influenza and other contagious diseases", said the ambassador.
The diplomat noted that he would contact Russian laboratories and agencies to discuss the issue. He stressed that the Persian Gulf is in constant need of vaccines, a region open to trade and tourism.
He stressed that the territory, funding, and desire for a laboratory are in place, but Bahrain "needs Russian science and expertise in this area."
"If this happens, Bahrain will become the center of Russian pharmaceuticals in the region," al-Saati said. The ambassador did not rule out that after the creation of the vaccine laboratory, cooperation could take on a new format, for example, joint medical centers and hospitals could be opened in Bahrain.
According to him, Bahrain received its first batch of vaccines about a month ago, and demand has been very high "despite the availability of other options - Chinese, American, British vaccines". The Ambassador attributed the reason for the demand to the vaccine's high effectiveness.
"At first there was a demand for the Chinese vaccine, but after we received the Russian vaccine, the demand for it increased, the batch ran out very quickly. We requested the next batch," the Ambassador said, adding that after the second batch Bahrain requested the third one because of the high demand for it.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Julia Bubnova / TASS
Based on materials from RIA Novosti