China is willing to provide Ireland with necessary assistance within its capacity to combat COVID-19, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday in a phone conversation with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
Li said that COVID-19 is spreading in many countries, and Ireland is also affected by the epidemic.
China firmly supports Ireland's efforts in the fight against the disease, and is willing to provide Ireland with necessary assistance within its capacity, Li said.
He said China is also ready to facilitate Ireland's procurement and transportation of medical supplies from China, enhance exchanges of experience on epidemic prevention and treatment, and carry out cooperation in medical research and development.
There are quite a number of Chinese nationals living or studying in Ireland, and the Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting their health as well as legitimate rights and interests, Li stressed, expressing his hope that the Irish side will take practical and effective measures to guarantee the safety and living convenience of these Chinese nationals, including Chinese students.
For his part, Varadkar said that China has made remarkable achievement and progress in fighting the epidemic, and shared information with the World Health Organization and the international community in a timely manner, which deserves the respect of all countries in the world.
The epidemic is currently spreading in Ireland, said the prime minister, who thanked China for providing support and assistance.
Ireland hopes to receive China's support in purchasing anti-epidemic supplies, and strengthen cooperation in medical research and development between the two countries, Varadkar said, adding that his country will effectively guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, including Chinese students, in Ireland.
