Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto handed over on Monday his country's donation of 200,000 Sinopharm doses to Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying that Hungary is proud that this is so far the largest vaccine donation that BiH has received during the pandemic.

“The past year and a half was the most difficult period of the whole decade and the entire world was busy servicing and treating the epidemic, dealing with various troubles. However, there are two things the whole world agrees on – saving the people’s lives is the primary task and the only instrument to protect and save lives is vaccine,” said Szijjarto, addressing the media at the Sarajevo International Airport.

Hungary is determined to vaccinate as many of its citizens as possible within the shortest period of time, he added.

Because the country managed a successful vaccination campaign, it is now in the situation to help others.

“The Western Balkan countries and Hungary depend on each other and this concerns economy and illegal migration management. In simple words: if things are going well in the Western Balkans that is very good for Hungary. Of course, it is the other way around too: if things are not going well in the Western Balkans, that is bad for Hungary. So, we are very pleased to help, with the goal that your fight against the epidemic is successful,” said Szzijarto, adding that this will also make Hungary more safe.

Hungary is proud, he stressed, that this is so far the largest vaccine donation that BiH has received during the pandemic.

The doses will be equally distributed to Bosnia’s two semi-autonomous regions, the Federation and Republika Srpska each getting 100,000 doses.

The Chairman of BiH Council of Ministers earlier said the donation is delivered as a result of the efforts put by chairman Zoran Tegeltija and FBiH entity prime minister Fadil Novalic.