Upcoming China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on virus shows united effort

China and Thailand's support in holding a special China-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting to combat the novel coronavirus has shown determination on both sides to unite and overcome the difficulties together, a senior official said on Wednesday.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks when meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Vientiane, Laos.

Wang said he believes the meeting to be held on Thursday will make a contribution to regional public health.

Since the outbreak, the royal family and the government of Thailand, as well as people from all walks of life, have provided assistance to China, which demonstrated the friendship between the two peoples, Wang said.

China appreciated that Thailand respects recommendations from the World Health Organization and makes moderate and reasonable responses, he said.

He added that he believes the people-to-people exchange between the two countries will be closer and bilateral traditional friendship will be enhanced after the epidemic.

The Thai foreign minister said that the special meeting will be the first multilateral foreign ministers' meeting that focuses on public health so far, which is of great significance.

The epidemic is a common challenge facing countries in the region, he said, adding that the meeting will strengthen solidarity and cooperation between ASEAN and China.