HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc talked over the phone with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang on Thursday, discussing cooperation fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two leaders spoke about prevention and control measures put in place in their respective countries.
The Vietnamese PM spoke highly of the great results China has seen fighting the virus under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping at its core, and the effective governance of Premier Li, along with the active involvement of Chinese people; and of China’s active international cooperation in this work.

The government leader stressed that Việt Nam is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spirit of fighting an enemy. He noted that following positive results in the first phase, the fight has entered a new phase amid complicated developments globally.

Việt Nam remains in control of the situation and is taking the initiative in curbing the spread of the disease, striving to ensure social security and safety for both Vietnamese and foreign citizens living in the country, PM Phúc said.  

PM Phúc thanked China for its support in the form of experience sharing and supply of medical equipment. He stressed that the good cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 will be a bright point in bilateral ties this year as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship.

Premier Li hailed Việt Nam’s effective measures and thanked Việt Nam’s for its support when the virus was at its peak in China, with PM Phúc extending his sympathy very early, and Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities providing help in various forms.

He informed PM Phúc that China will provide Việt Nam with aid and medical supplies and equipment within its capacity.

The two leaders reached the consensus on the importance of ensuring the health and legitimate rights and interests of each other’s citizens living in the other country.
Regarding international cooperation in fighting the pandemic, PM Phúc said that as Chair of ASEAN, Việt Nam has been leading discussions and coordination in anti-coronavirus efforts among ASEAN countries and between the ASEAN and partner nations, including the ASEAN plus Three mechanism.

The Chinese government leader said China has always made proactive efforts in international cooperation in this regard. He expressed support for Việt Nam’s initiatives and efforts in the field, and called for the international community to work together fighting the pandemic.  
        
The two PMs underlined the importance of the relationship between the two countries, and affirmed the wish to develop the Việt Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership towards more practical and greater achievements.

They vowed to instruct ministries, sectors and localities to continue coordinating closely in maintaining trade and investment activities, while preparing to resume tourism, aviation and people-to-people exchange as soon as the pandemic ends. — VNS