China, ASEAN to strengthen solidarity amid joint fight against COVID-19: Chinese FM

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that the Chinese people and the people of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will further strengthen the solidarity, cooperation and trust between them in their joint battle against COVID-19.

Wang made the remarks during his telephone conversation with Brunei's Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Dato Seri Paduka Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof.

Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, saying that China appreciates the royal family, government and people of Brunei for actively supporting China in fighting the novel coronavirus disease and providing financial assistance to China, which embodies Brunei's friendship towards the Chinese people.

He noted that China and ASEAN countries are close neighbors with a tradition of helping and supporting each other in difficult times.

Erywan conveyed Brunei's Sultan's sincere greetings to Xi and congratulated China on effectively containing the spread of the epidemic. He also sincerely thanked China for providing support and assistance to Brunei in the battle against COVID-19, and hoped that China-ASEAN exchanges will return to normal as soon as possible after the epidemic.