State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem on the phone on 6 February.

Al-Moualem said that the leadership and people of Syria firmly support the great Chinese people in their fight against the outbreak and believe that the Chinese people have every capacity to win the battle. Syria highly appreciates the effective measures China has taken and sees them as an important contribution to global public health. Syria thanks China for protecting Syrian nationals in China, and wishes China an early and full victory over the epidemic.

Wang expressed appreciation for the kind attention and firm support of the Syrian government and people, who are themselves striving for their national sovereignty and dignity. This is a testament to the deep friendship between the two countries and peoples and to the fine tradition of mutual support and trust between the two sides.

Wang noted that the Chinese nation has been through many trials and tribulations and that no difficulty, including this outbreak, could stop the Chinese people from achieving modernization. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has put in place a nationwide mechanism and adopted strong measures against the outbreak. Significant progress is being made in containing the epidemic. China has ample experience in responding to emergencies and a strong capacity to mobilize nationwide efforts. We have full confidence and determination to defeat the epidemic.

Wang said that China's response to the outbreak has not only protected the lives and health of its own people but also proved instrumental in preventing the virus from spreading to the rest of the world. China will continue to protect the health of Syrian nationals in China and work with Syria and other countries in the field of public health.