China pledges continued efforts to fight against Ebola

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has pledged further efforts with the international community to fight against the Ebola epidemic that has run rampant in three West African nations, according to a press release on Thursday.

"The Ebola epidemic is now rampant in West Africa, threatening people's life and health there," Xi said Wednesday afternoon as he received credentials of new ambassadors to China.

"(The epidemic) has become a common challenge for the international community in a non-traditional security field," said the Chinese president.

On Sept 18, Xi announced an aid package of 200 million yuan (about $32.54 million) for West African countries to combat Ebola, including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The Chinese government has also sent medical supplies and medical experts to the countries.

"We will continue to work together with the international community to fight against the Ebola epidemic," Xi said.

On Wednesday, Xi received credentials of nine new ambassadors, including Jorge Heine from Chile, Inoussa Moustaphas from Niger, Dudley McKinley Thomas from Liberia, Ibrahima Sory Sow from Guinea, Maurice Gourdault-montagne from France, Adama Dosso from Cote d'Ivoire, Ali Asghar Khaji from Iran, Juan Carlos Capunay from Peru and Hans Dietmar Schweisgut from the European Union.

Xi welcomed the new ambassadors to their posts and asked them to convey his sincere greetings to their leaders and people.

Xi said China is committed to safeguarding world peace and pursuing common development.

"We stand ready to enhance interactions with all countries in the world, share opportunities and work together to counter common challenges in pursuit of all-win cooperation," said the president.

Xi said the Chinese government will provide facilities and support for the ambassadors, encouraging contributions to friendly cooperation between China and their respective countries and regions.

The ambassadors conveyed greetings from their state and organization leaders to Xi as well as wishes for the prosperity of China and happiness of the people, according to the release.

They said China's development provides important opportunities for the world and all the countries they represent attach great importance to ties with China.

The ambassadors pledged to boost practical cooperation and increase people-to-people exchanges with China during their tenure, with a view to addressing global challenges hand in hand.

They also lauded China's contribution to the fight against the Ebola epidemic and pledged to enhance communication and cooperation with China on the matter.