President Xi Jinping spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar on the phone on the evening of 11 February.

President Xi expressed deep appreciation to Qatar for voicing support on multiple occasions at a critical moment in China’s fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak and for assisting in the shipment of epidemic control supplies through Qatar Airways network. The Chinese people are deeply touched by such tested and proven friendship. China sets great store by growing its ties with Qatar and stands ready to work with Qatar to show mutual support on issues of each other’s core interests and major concerns and to take the bilateral ties to a new level.

President Xi briefed the Amir on the all-out, nationwide efforts being made to contain the outbreak. He described it as a people’s war with the most thorough and rigorous control measures. Such efforts are producing results. With its people united as one, with China’s institutional strength in mobilizing resources for major undertakings, with strong material and technological capacities and with rich experience, China has the confidence, capacity and determination to win this battle.

President Xi stressed that China is not only protecting the life and health of its own people but also contributing to global public health security. China’s effective response has averted the further spread of the virus in the world.We encourage other countries to follow and act on WHO’s travel and health recommendations. China will stay in close communication with Qatar and provide updates on latest developments. We will protect the life and health of the Qatari nationals in China, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of people in both countries.

On behalf of the Qatari government and people, Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani offered firm support for the Chinese government and people in their intense fight against the epidemic, expressed condolences over the loss of lives and sympathies to the bereaved, and wished the patients under treatment a speedy recovery. The Amir highly appreciated China’s forceful response to the epidemic, expressed full confidence in China’s ability and resolve to swiftly prevail over the outbreak and difficulties, and wished China success. He reaffirmed Qatar’s solidarity with the Chinese people, who are the good friends of the Qatari people. He said that Qatar will strictly follow WHO’s advice and that he will instruct the health authorities of Qatar to step up exchanges and cooperation with China. He added that Qatar will continue to help China whenever there is any need and that Qatar looks forward to working with China for still bigger progress in the bilateral relations.