VOA常速英语2020--美国帮助盟国意大利抗击疫情（在线收听）

"During these difficult times," said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, "the United States is working in solidarity with our partners and allies to provide humanitarian assistance to countries in need and to take all possible measures to combat the spread of coronavirus." Italy, one of the United States' closest allies, has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Secretary Pompeo commended Italy's "transparency and sustained heroic efforts to contain the virus and help those affected recover." The pandemic has been particularly devastating for Italy, and Americans extend their deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones. In response to the unprecedented toll of the coronavirus, President Donald Trump authorized a substantial assistance package for Italy. The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, and in coordination with the U.S. Embassies in Rome and the Vatican, will provide support for international and nongovernmental organizations, including faith-based groups, many of which are already providing essential relief to Italian communities. These efforts will help support the recovery of the Italian economy. The United States is also providing technical assistance to help Italy respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, building on existing partnerships between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Italy's health sector.

美国国务卿迈克·蓬佩奥表示，“在此困难时期，美国正在与我们的伙伴和盟友团结一致，为需要的国家提供人道主义援助并采取一切可能的措施抑制冠状病毒的传播。”意大利是美国最亲密的盟友之一，该国一直在抗击COVID-19前线。国务卿蓬佩奥称赞了意大利“在遏制病毒以及帮助患者恢复健康时的透明和英勇努力。”此次疫情对意大利造成了尤为严重的破坏，美国人民向那些失去亲人的家属表示最深切的同情。为应对此次冠状病毒的大规模感染，唐纳德·特朗普总统批准向意大利提供大量援助。美国政府通过美国国际开发署（USAID）与美国驻罗马和梵蒂冈大使馆协调，为包括宗教团体在内的国际和非政府组织提供支持，其中许多组织已为意大利社区提供了必要的救济。这些努力将有助于支持意大利的经济复苏。美国还在其卫生与公众服务部和意大利卫生部门之间现有伙伴关系的基础上，为意大利抗击COVID-19疫情提供技术援助。

In addition, USAID and other U.S. government agencies will look to support Italian businesses that are working to produce medical equipment and supplies to combat COVID-19. This includes assisting Italian factories and supply-chains to adapt to the needs of healthcare personnel and patients. The United States, said Secretary Pompeo, "will identify excess military supplies and encourage donations from the U.S. private sector." Italy hosts about 30,000 U.S. military personnel and families. These personnel will assist with a variety of functions, including providing telemedicine services, facilitating the transport and assembly of field hospitals and equipment, treating non-COVID-19 patients, and supporting the transport of supplies, fuel and food. "This critical assistance will not only help the Italian people," said Secretary Pompeo, "but will also bolster global trade and supply chains. We are all in this together, and only through transparency, cooperation, and mutual support will we be able to defeat COVID-19."

此外，USAID和其他美国政府机构将支持意大利企业生产医疗设备和物资以抗击COVID-19。其包括帮助意大利工厂和供应链适应医疗人员和病人的需求。国务卿蓬佩奥表示，美国“将确定多余的军事供应并鼓励美国私营部门进行捐赠。”意大利有大约3万名美国军人和军人家属。这些人员将协助执行各种职能部门，包括提供远程医疗服务，为野战医院和设备的运输装配提供便利，治疗非COVID-19患者以及支持物资、燃料和食物的运输。国务卿迈克·蓬佩表示，“此类关键援助不仅可以帮助意大利人民，还能支持全球贸易和供应链。我们都站在一起，只有通过公开透明、合作以及相互支持，我们才能击败COVID-19。”