Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang at regular press conference on Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo from Foreign Ministry website)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed gratitude to countries, including Russia, Vietnam and those in Africa, for showing their firm support to the Chinese government in combating the novel coronavirus pneumonia and providing medical aid to the epicenter Wuhan.

The 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council issued a communique in which the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of AU Member States expressed their solidarity with the Chinese government and people in efforts to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus, their confidence in China’s ability to deal with the challenges, and their call for coordination with various national and international bodies to strengthen cooperation and to cope with its ramifications.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at Monday’s press conference that our African friends have given us strong support and showcased our brotherhood through thick and thin.

The Ethiopian Students Union in Wuhan wrote an open letter in support of Wuhan and China. Some African students in China volunteered to go to the frontline of the battle against the epidemic or work at train stations as volunteers.

“We believe that through the trial of this epidemic, China-Africa friendship will grow deeper and the China-Africa community of a shared future will be stronger,” Geng said.

On Sunday, a large amount of medical supplies, including over two million facial masks from the Russian government, arrived in Wuhan.

The editorial of China and Russia sharing weal and woe published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta said that after the outbreak, Russia gave its firm support to China.

Besides medical supplies, the Russian government also sent experts to work with China on epidemic response.

Geng said that China has received the message "Stay strong, China! We stand with you!" from the Russian government and people.

It demonstrated the high level of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in a new era and the deep bond of mutual assistance between the two countries. China is truly grateful, Geng said.

“We will continue to work with Russia for better coordination and cooperation in epidemic control and greater contribution to regional and global public health security,” Geng said.

On Monday, medical gloves, masks and protective outfits donated by the Vietnamese government arrived in Wuhan.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who provided us with sincere support and help,” Geng said.

Geng also thanked India’s support for China’s fight against the virus, and said India’s acts of goodwill fully demonstrated its friendship with China.

 

Global Times