Xi cites great progress in virus fight

Visit by Mongolian president shows deep friendship

China is making great progress in controlling the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, and it has full confidence and the capacity to win the battle against the disease, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remark while meeting with Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Battulga's visit took place the day after the end of Mongolia's traditional White Moon festival holiday.

Noting that Battulga is the first foreign head of state to have visited China since the outbreak of the disease, Xi said that his visit demonstrates the great importance that the Mongolian president attaches to bilateral relations and his deep friendship toward the Chinese people.

The Chinese government and the Chinese people are making full efforts to fight the disease, Xi said, adding that China has received support and help from the Mongolian government and people.

China and Mongolia are close neighbors that help each other and stand together in difficult times, Xi said.

Xi stressed that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have paid great attention and taken the strictest and utmost measures to prevent and control the disease since its outbreak.

China is making great efforts to coordinate prevention and control of the disease with economic and social development, and it is trying its best to limit the impact of the disease as much as possible, Xi said.

China is resuming its economic production in an orderly manner in line with the different situations across the nation, paying attention to spring agricultural production, and is making efforts to ensure people's livelihoods, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that China has great potential in domestic consumption and strong industrial foundations, and the country will strive to achieve its economic goals for this year, especially the major tasks of securing the decisive victory of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and reducing poverty.

Based on the principle of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China is responsible for the Chinese people's safety and health and has a duty to safeguard global public health, Xi said.

China's open, transparent and responsible manner and its positive efforts to strengthen international cooperation on fighting the disease have won recognition from the World Health Organization and the international community, Xi said.

China will continue to enhance cooperation with all nations, including Mongolia, in handling the outbreak effectively and maintaining regional and global public health, Xi said.

China would like to consolidate mutual political trust with Mongolia, enhance Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi added.

Battulga announced that Mongolia will donate 30,000 sheep to China, in addition to the funds it has already given to China. He presented a certificate to Xi about the donation of the sheep after their talks.

On behalf of the Mongolian government and people, Battulga expressed sincere sympathy for the Chinese people's suffering resulting from the outbreak.

Mongolia highly admires and appreciates China's timely response to the disease and the progress made in fighting the disease, he said.

Calling China a comprehensive strategic partner, Battulga said the Mongolian people would like to join hands with the Chinese people in fighting the disease, he said, adding that the Mongolian people have enthusiastically supported their government's decision to donate to China's battle against the disease.

He said that the Chinese people, led by Xi, will definitely win the battle against the disease and achieve the nation's goals for economic and social growth, he said.