Chinese, Turkish FMs discuss fight against novel coronavirus over phone

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a telephone conversation on Saturday about the novel coronavirus outbreak in China.

Cavusoglu, who initiated the call, extended his condolences and sympathies to those who died of novel coronavirus infections and their families, while highly appreciating China's strong measures to fight the epidemic.

He said he believes that China's anti-epidemic efforts will soon take effect, adding that the Turkish side has already provided the Chinese side with necessary medical materials, and is ready to offer more assistance according to China's needs.

Wang thanked the Turkish side for offering China medical materials at this critical moment in the fight against the disease, which shows the Turkish side's friendship towards the Chinese people. China and Turkey are friends and partners, and should stand together in tough times, he added.

Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has established a whole-nation system that has held the Chinese from all walks of life together for an all-out campaign against the epidemic, said Wang, adding that China has a strong mobilization ability and rich experience in handling public health emergencies, and will win the battle against the epidemic as soon as possible.

Noting that Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks highly of China's resolute actions in combating the disease, Wang said the WHO chief believes that the Chinese actions have gone well beyond the requirements by the International Health Regulations and recommendations by the WHO, and disfavors imposing travel or trade restrictions on China.

Wang added that he believes Turkey will fully respect WHO's professional recommendations, maintain normal exchanges as well as trade and economic cooperation with China, and firmly support the Chinese side's prevention and containment measures.

Echoing Wang's remarks, Cavusoglu said the WHO statement is balanced and objective, and that he is confident in China's ability to win the battle against the epidemic.