On the evening of 30 April, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Miloš Zeman of the Czech Republic on the phone.

Xi noted that thanks to aggressive intervention, major strategic achievements have been secured in China's battle against COVID-19. The whole country is now back to work while continuing to be vigilant. Xi recalled that at China's hour of greatest need, President Zeman encouraged his people to make cash and in-kind donations and sent anti-epidemic supplies via charter flights. Such gestures speak to his tremendous friendship toward the Chinese people. For its part, China has firmly supported the Czech Republic in fighting COVID-19 and is ready to share information and best practice both bilaterally and through the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism.

Xi stressed that mankind is a community that rises and falls together, a point driven home by the ferocious virus. He emphasized China's determination to work with the Czech Republic and others to forge an effective global response and stem the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, it is important to step up macroeconomic policy coordination to offset downward risks for the world economy and to uphold fairness and norms in international relations. He expressed optimism that concerted global action will help mankind defeat the pandemic.

Xi emphasized that the sound growth of China-Czech relations serves the fundamental interests of both sides. China attaches high importance to the relationship and will work with the Czech side to move forward the strategic partnership between the two countries. Xi added that he looks forward to meeting his Czech counterpart after the COVID-19 situation is over, to jointly chart the course for bilateral ties and China-CEEC relations.

President Zeman commended China for its success in beating COVID-19 and the strong outlook of the Chinese economy. He appreciated the timely support and assistance from China, and underscored the deep friendship between the two countries and their peoples. Describing himself as a sincere friend of China, Zeman promised to advance bilateral cooperation to take forward the relationship without any interruption. He also expressed his fond hope to visit China again soon.