China supports Peru's efforts to arrange a phase 3 clinical trial for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, adding that the move shows a high degree of trust between the two countries.

In a phone conversation with Peruvian Foreign Minister Mario Lopez, Wang said China understands Peru's need to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. He reiterated China's commitment that its vaccines, once developed and put into use, will be made a global public good and provided to developing countries on a priority basis. 

The health authorities of Peru approved the phase 3 clinical trial for the Sinopharm vaccine in August. 

Phase 3 trials, which usually involve several thousand participants, allow researchers to gather data on the efficacy and safety of potential vaccines for final regulatory approvals.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Peru, Wang noted, urging efforts made to strengthen political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two. 

He said China and Peru are highly complementary in development stages and called for joint efforts to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Lopez thanked China for its support and help to Peru in its fight against COVID-19. Peru supports the phase 3 clinical trial for the Sinopharm vaccine and looks forward to buying vaccines from China, he said. 

The two countries should actively promote the building of the Belt and Road and deepen cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, science and technology, as well as renewable energy, said the Peruvian foreign minister. 

Peru welcomes Chinese companies to invest in the Latin American country and will provide a fair and non-discriminatory environment, he told Wang.

Wang also had a phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Costa Rica Rodolfo Solano on Thursday, during which Wang described Costa Rica a "genuine friend" and "trustworthy partner."  

Costa Rica was the first Central American country to establish diplomatic relations with China in the 21st century, Wang noted. The two countries forged diplomatic ties on June 1, 2007.

China, the foreign minister said, highly appreciates Costa Rica's adherence to the one-China policy. It also hopes and believes that the Central American nation will continue to maintain a just position on the Taiwan question and support China's legitimate stance to safeguard its sovereignty, he said. 

Wang hailed the mutual understand and support between China and Costa Rica in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He called on the two countries to pursue green development and enhance cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. 

Solano said Costa Rica will always be China's best friend in Central America and the Caribbean region, reiterating the country's firm commitment to the one-China principle. 

Costa Rica appreciates China's pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and is willing to collaborate with China to promote inclusive and green development, he said.