On 7 April, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a phone call from Foreign Minister A. K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh.

Wang said that as close neighbors and friends, China and Bangladesh have always enjoyed each other's understanding and support. When the Chinese people were at a critical moment in the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak, the government of Bangladesh expressed solidarity and provided support to China. Now the virus has broken out in various parts of the world, and the number of confirmed cases in Bangladesh is rising. The Chinese side has been following closely the outbreak in South Asia. China suggests that the government of Bangladesh step up prevention and control in advance in order to be able to mount an effective response should the virus spread.

Wang said that China, guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, has provided timely outbreak response supplies to assist Bangladesh and mobilized Chinese companies to offer support. As the situation continues to evolve in Bangladesh, we are ready to provide more assistance, share our information and experience without any reservation, and send a medical experts team to help with Bangladesh's response efforts.

Wang underscored that as a responsible major country, China will stand firmly with Bangladesh and other neighboring countries to battle the virus together, counter its impact on the global economy, maintain normal international industrial cooperation the best way we can, and safeguard the safety and well-being of people in our regions and the wider world.

Wang expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government and people of Bangladesh will defeat the virus and the friendship between China and Bangladesh will be further cemented in the course of our joint fight against COVID-19. He expressed hope that the Bangladeshi government will continue to do what is necessary to look after the Chinese nationals there and protect their safety and health.

Momen said Bangladesh highly appreciates China's effective response to COVID-19, which has set a great example for the rest of the world. He thanked China for the timely assistance and hoped to receive further support from China, including facial masks and ventilators. Having China's valuable support in such difficult times once again proves that China is the most reliable friend and partner of Bangladesh.

The two sides also exchanged views on the issue of the Rakhine State. Bangladesh hopes that the return of displaced persons will start as soon as possible. China is ready to continue to play a mediating role.