Another batch of 125,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses donated by the Indian government touched down in Phnom Penh on the morning of April 14.

They are part of the total 325,000 Covishield jabs pledged by India, with the first batch of 200,000 doses arriving on April 11.

Ministry of Health secretary of state York Sambath was on hand to receive the vaccines at Phnom Penh International Airport, though the official handover ceremony was already held on April 12 at the Peace Palace, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Uttam Khobragade.

While receiving the first batch on April 12, Hun Sen said this donation demonstrated "real friendship and solidarity" between Cambodia and India as well as other members of the Quad Initiative such as Australia, Japan and the US.

“Cambodia appreciate and thank the Quad Initiative members as well as all countries around the world for their efforts to combat Covid-19 not only in their own countries but also the region and the world to ensure a speedy recovery of socio-economic activities,” he said.

The Indian ambassador said the donation of the 325,000 Covishield doses were a contribution to the Cambodian government’s fight against the pandemic.

She said the donation reflects the spirit of mutual support between Cambodia and India, which have had a longlasting relationship. India would provide more vaccines to Cambodia should the need arises, she added.