January 19, 2021 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has participated in a video conference of leaders including Scott Morrison hosted by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
Also participating in the conference were Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We’re seven countries, with the largest population is Australia. Most of us have populations of five to 12 million. Why don’t we seriously talk about forming a conglomeration for research?
We all have research and scientific capabilities. We all have technological capabilities. We have to develop this capacity. We cannot be at the mercy of market forces. I’ve already given instructions to start planning a plant that is basically a government arm. It’s not a private company. The Air Force is not a private company. The Air Force is not profitable.
I think that in order to get a reasonable scale of economic scale and scientific scale, we should seriously look at pooling together our efforts. We must join forces and seriously begin to talk about both scientific research and production and supply, first to our respective countries and then to everyone else. Let’s already plan for the years ahead.”
He added: “If you haven’t vaccinated yourself, do so. It’s important that people see that you are confident in the vaccine, along with the doctors, along with the most respected medical authorities, scientific authorities. Get them upfront vaccinated—your health ministers. Second thing, on logistics. The principle that I’ve espoused is: as many vaccines as fast as possible to as many people. Even though we have two doses with Pfizer, we’re moving to finish the first dose, but already stretching into the second phase.”
It was timely to review the challenges we face in the months ahead, especially around the vaccine rollout and the emergence of new strains.
Particularly good to hear from Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway on their vaccine rollout.
These meetings continue to be incredibly important to share experiences and swap notes on the challenges of responding to this terrible virus and how we can work together to beat it and prepare for the next pandemic.
Thank you Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for hosting what was another invaluable meeting.”
This was the seventh virtual meeting of the leaders.
Australia is yet to launch its vaccination program.