Premier Li Keqiang took a phone call from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on the afternoon of March 31.

Premier Li noted that COVID-19 is spreading in many countries, and Ireland has also come under its impact. China firmly supports Ireland’s outbreak response and is ready to provide necessary help to the country to the best of its ability, including facilitating Ireland’s purchase and shipping of medical supplies from China. China is ready to enhance experience sharing concerning outbreak containment and its cooperation with Ireland on drug research and development.

Premier Li stressed that there are a large number of Chinese citizens living and studying in Ireland. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of their health and legitimate rights and interests. China hopes that Ireland will take effective measures to protect the safety and provide for the essential needs of Chinese citizens in Ireland, including the students there.

Prime Minister Varadkar said that China has made remarkable progress in fighting the virus and acted quickly to share information with the world including the World Health Organization. China’s efforts deserve respect from the world. In face of the spread of the virus, Ireland appreciates China’s support and assistance, hopes to get China’s continued support in purchasing medical supplies, and is ready to enhance the cooperation on medicine research and development between the two countries. Ireland will take concrete steps to see that the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens, including the students, in Ireland are taken care of.