On 1 February, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Lavrov said that Russia fully recognizes and highly appreciates China's effective response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, and believes that the threat by the outbreak will be removed soon. Yesterday, President Vladimir Putin sent a telegraph to President Xi Jinping, extending sympathy and expressing Russia's full support for China in fighting the outbreak. President Putin also conveyed Russia's readiness to offer assistance of necessary medical materials, and send a team of experts on epidemic prevention and control to China for cooperation in such areas as research and development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Wang Yi expressed appreciation for the telegraph from President Putin to President Xi. It reflects the strong mutual trust between the two Presidents and the high level of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era between China and Russia. The Chinese people are united as one in this serious fight against the outbreak. We have the confidence, capacity and determination to defeat the epidemic.

Wang Yi said that the Chinese government, acting in an open and transparent manner, has been actively responding to the legitimate concerns at home and abroad. This has been fully recognized by Russia, the WHO and the rest of the international community. The WHO Director-General spoke highly of China's decisive and strong measures and expressed full confidence in China's ability to defeat the outbreak. Firmly supporting each other in most trying times is a fine tradition between China and Russia, and an integral part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. China appreciates Russia's offer to provide needed medical supplies, and welcomes the team of experts for exchanges and cooperation on public health, including prevention and control of the outbreak.

Lavrov said that Russia will step up communication and coordination with China to properly tackle the challenge brought by the outbreak and make joint contributions to public health of the world.