Thailand expresses support to China's struggle in phone call

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said his country supports China in combating the novel coronavirus, and is willing to provide all necessary assistance.

He made the remarks in a telephone conversation with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.

The Thai foreign minister emphasized his country will stand with the Chinese people in this hard time, and he believes China will overcome these difficulties soon.

Noting China and Thailand are close neighbors and friends, Wang said China will continue to safeguard the health of Thai people in its territory.

China and ASEAN member countries have jointly fought against the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and other challenges, Wang said, adding he believes both sides could strengthen cooperation to jointly overcome current difficulties.

As a result of China's relentless efforts, the death rate of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China is under 2.1 percent, much lower than other major epidemics which have happened in the world, Wang said.

He noted the number of cases cured has recently exceeded fatalities, and the growth of the number of suspected cases has begun to slow down.

China has the ability and confidence to win this war and will continue to carry out international health cooperation in an open and transparent manner, he said.