BEIJING, Apr 9 (NNN-XINHUA) – China and Switzerland should work together to keep the global industrial and supply chains stable, amid the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said, in a phone call with his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis.
Wang said, through arduous efforts made by the Chinese people, China generally brought the domestic epidemic under control, but still faces the risk of the outbreak rebounding, especially the challenges posed by imported cases.
This fully demonstrates that the pandemic knows no borders or races, and that all countries, which belong to the same community with a shared future for mankind, should work together to overcome the difficulties, he added.
Wang said that the Swiss government and people have provided valuable support for China, in its fight against the epidemic.
China, Wang said, is making every effort to support the global fight against the pandemic and has set up a green channel, to ensure the fast and convenient delivery of anti-epidemic supplies.
Noting that the ventilator is the most urgently needed medical equipment for countries to fight the epidemic, Wang said China, which takes other countries’ concerns seriously, is cranking up production of ventilators.
Wang said, he hopes that Switzerland and other important suppliers of ventilator parts will significantly increase supply and help enterprises boost production, so as to relieve the pressing need of all countries.
This will not only provide material support for the global battle against the pandemic, but also help maintain stability of the global industrial and supply chains, Wang said, adding that, China also stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Switzerland, in drug and vaccine research and development, among other fields.
The Chinese side hopes and believes that Switzerland will guarantee the health and safety of Chinese nationals and students in the European country, he added.
He said, he believes the international community, including Switzerland, will fairly evaluate China’s anti-epidemic efforts and firmly resist words and deeds of political play-up under the pretext of pandemic.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, Wang said, adding that, the experience of jointly fighting the epidemic will further consolidate and deepen their friendship.
For his part, Cassis expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance in the epidemic fight, while congratulating China on its achievements in containing the virus.
He said, Switzerland is ready to strengthen cooperation with China, in such areas as ventilator production, as well as, drug and vaccine research and development, to jointly ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains, and to reduce the impact of the epidemic on bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Switzerland does not agree with or participate in the politicisation of the epidemic, Cassis said, adding that, what the international community needs now is solidarity and cooperation instead of finger-pointing.
He said, Switzerland will take good care of Chinese citizens and students in Switzerland and ensure their health and safety.
Switzerland, Cassis said, stands ready to celebrate with China the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, after prevailing over the epidemic through joint efforts.– NNN-XINHUA
