|
BEIJING, March 18-- China stands firmly with the European Union (EU) and supports its anti-epidemic efforts, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In the early days of China's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, EU agencies offered sympathies and coordinated multiple batches of supplies to China, Li said. As the epidemic is spreading in EU countries, China empathizes with the EU which is in the epidemic situation and facing difficulties, Li said, adding that epidemic prevention and control have no borders. Under the current circumstances, China stands firmly with the European side, supports its anti-epidemic efforts, and facilitates its procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels, he said, adding that China is also ready to actively carry out international cooperation to jointly protect the health of the humankind. Li also expressed hope that the EU will attach importance to ensuring the safety of and bringing convenience to life of Chinese citizens, including overseas students, in EU countries. He pointed out that China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and is willing to push forward negotiations on the China-EU investment agreement and cooperation in various fields to keep the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties. He expressed the belief that the friendship between China and the EU will be further deepened and bilateral cooperation be further expanded after overcoming the epidemic. | 
