Xi urges joint effort in virus fight

President pledges to share nation's epidemic containment experience

China will prioritize efforts to restore and raise the production capacity of medical supplies and epidemic containment materials to further contribute to international cooperation in halting the spread of the novel coronavirus and stabilizing global economic growth, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday night.

He made the remark in a telephone conversation with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. Xi also had telephone calls with the presidents of Serbia and Kyrgyzstan.

While talking with Niinisto, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to furthering global public health development and safeguarding the stability of the global industry and supply chains.

Human beings are a community with a shared future, and only by making joint efforts and showing solidarity can the international community get through the difficult times and conquer the pandemic, he said.

China is willing to continue with sharing its experience on epidemic containment with Finland and help the country to overcome its shortage of medical supplies, he added.

Xi also expressed his hope that Finland can ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in the country, especially students, saying that joint epidemic containment efforts will consolidate bilateral friendship.

Niinisto said Finland hopes to enhance cooperation with China to conquer the pandemic as soon as possible.

A speedy recovery of the Chinese economy is of paramount importance to the world, he said.

Xi and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, in their phone conversation, hailed the great friendship between the two countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi said that China and Serbia share the most profound state-to-state relationship and the two countries have shown their close brotherhood and cordial friendship when faced with the disease.

Beijing will continue to provide help and support to Belgrade to fight the outbreak, he added.

Xi stressed in the phone call that the friendship between China and Serbia is profound and special. It will only become stronger and cannot be defeated when faced with risks and challenges of various kinds, he said.

The Serbian people will always be sincere and reliable friends of the Chinese people whatever difficulty or challenge occurs, Vucic said, adding that he will continue to maintain close exchanges with Xi.

While talking with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Xi said China will soon send a team of medical experts to Kyrgyzstan to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeenbekov said the pandemic again highlighted that Xi's idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind is urgent, realistic and meets the needs of the time.