Wang Yi, Singaporean FM discuss virus fight ahead of China-ASEAN special meeting

China hopes Singapore will take active steps to resume normal bilateral personnel exchanges as soon as possible, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said when meeting Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Vientiane on Wednesday.

Wang said he appreciated that Balakrishnan had changed his schedule to attend the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Coronavirus Disease, and that he hoped Thursday's special meeting will address how to tackle the epidemic and promote regional cooperation in public health.

Wang briefed Balakrishnan of the latest developments in China in fighting the epidemic.

Singapore has extended aid to China in time, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has voiced his confidence that China will win the fight against the epidemic, Wang said, adding that the fact shows a good tradition of the two countries helping each other out during difficult times.

China is confident in overcoming the temporary influence imposed by the disease and will work to achieve its goal of eliminating absolute poverty, and China-Singapore cooperation will develop further during this process, Wang said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

China will maintain high-level exchanges with Singapore, Wang said. China hopes Singapore will play an active role to align the Belt and Road Initiative and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity and promote the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, he said.

Balakrishnan said China is tackling the epidemic in a highly responsible manner, and that Singapore highly appreciates China's efforts, and will continue to lend China its firm support.

Singapore will strengthen cooperation with China to resume normal exchanges as soon as possible, Balakrishnan said.