President Xi Jinping talked with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over the phone on the evening of 17 March.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed sincere sympathies to the Spanish government and people over the spreading COVID-19 outbreak in Spain.

Xi noted that with tremendous whole-of-nation efforts, good progress has been made in controlling the outbreak in China, which has emerged from the most difficult and challenging phase of the response. Now that multiple places and countries are plagued by the outbreak, China stands ready to work with them and provide assistance as its ability permits. Xi expressed the hope that the world would come together to turn the challenge into an opportunity and respond with openness and concrete collaboration to safeguard international public health security.

Xi expressed support for the measures taken by the Spanish government against COVID-19. China appreciates the gravity and urgency of the situation and stands ready to help in whatever way possible, including sharing experience in prevention, control and treatment, for the sake of public well-being in both countries and global public health security.

"Once the epidemic is over, our two countries may step up exchanges in a wide range of fields," said Xi, promising that China would expand imports of quality and specialty products from Spain. "The sun will come out after the storm," Xi noted, saying he is confident that Sino-Spanish friendship will be strengthened by the test of the epidemic and brighter days lie ahead for the bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Sánchez agreed that the long-standing tradition of mutual support and assistance between Spain and China is fully demonstrated in their joint response to COVID-19. The delivery of badly-needed medical supplies at the hour of Span's greatest need attests to China's friendship toward the Spanish people, and "we are deeply grateful". He promised that his government will do its best to ensure the health and safety of Chinese nationals in Spain.

He echoed Xi's view that COVID-19 is a global challenge that requires a global response. He applauded China's openness and commitment to international cooperation and expressed a desire for more exchanges and cooperation with China. He stressed his optimism that Spain-China ties will emerge stronger from the epidemic and wished the great people of China good health and all the best.