Ecuador and Russia analyze setting up plant to produce Sputnik vaccine

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The governments of Ecuador and Russia have established a joint road map to combat the covid-19 pandemic, including the possibility of setting up a plant to produce Sputnik vaccines.

This was announced Thursday by Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso after announcing the details of a telephone conversation he had with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. He discussed issues of common interest.

Read also: Check out our coverage on Ecuador

Lasso described the conversation with Putin as “fruitful” and remarked that “a road map was drawn up that includes the manufacture of vaccines, railway, energy and oil projects, and free trade agreements”.

“We will strengthen this great relationship between our countries,” added the Ecuadorian president on his Twitter profile when he released details of the dialogue he held with his Russian colleague.

On its side, the Russian General Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency highlighted the willingness expressed by Putin to strengthen relations with Ecuador in fields such as health, trade, transport, energy, and economy, among others.

The Secretariat highlighted the mutual interest of both governments to establish a manufacturing plant for Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccine, although it did not give further details.

The source indicated that talks have begun on the possible railway, energy, and oil investment projects and remarked that they intend to establish a free trade agreement with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Community.

Finally, Lasso invited President Putin to visit Ecuador to deepen the bilateral relationship that has been in force for more than 76 years.