Online session on response of Eurasian countries to combat COVID-19

Islamabad : Keeping in view the recent situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan and around the globe, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an online session with the ambassadors and diplomats of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and, Russia to analyse and discuss the measures taken by Eurasian countries to effectively combat COVID-19.

The session was commenced by Major General (r) Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), president Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS). He welcomed the panelists to the online conference and highlighted the importance of preventive measures taken on regional level.

Brig Mansoor Saeed, discussed the steps taken by Pakistan Government for battling COVID-19, he also mentioned the special Tiger Force and their responsibilities.

Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Ali Alizada shared the preventive measures taken by the Government of Azerbaijan. He said that the government has imposed a countrywide lockdown with limited mobility. He also briefed the participants about the special organizations formed to control the spread of COVID-19.

Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan Ismatullo Nasredin mentioned that till date no cases have been reported officially but Tajikistan government is prepared and fully equipped to deal with any emergency. He said that the government has closed all international borders and prohibited all large gatherings. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Akan Rakhmetullin said that serious quarantine measures have been taken in the country to control the spread. Furthermore, he briefed about the special measures taken for the most vulnerable citizens. He said that they are being provided with free groceries.

Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan Furqat A. Sidikov shared his thoughts and highlighted that all educational institutions and offices have been closed to ensure social distancing. Moreover, to facilitate the effected tourism industry of Uzbekistan special financial support has been provided to hotels and tourist agencies.

Colonel Anatoly A. Fedotov- defense attache from Embassy of Russian Federation talked about the goodwill gestures by Russian government of sending aid to effected countries in the form of medical equipment. Furthermore, he said that the government has also made a volunteering force for assisting the elderly citizens of the country.

Defence Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel Mehman Novruzov highlighted the special flights arranged to facilitate the citizens of Azerbaijan around the world. He further stated that COVID-19 tests are being done regularly to limit the spread of the pandemic. Senior Member Advisory Board CGSS Lt Gen (r) Naeem Khalid Lodhi advised the citizens to play their role in helping the government for collectively fighting the pandemic.

The online conference was attended by 25 participants including experts from academia and health sector.