Chinese, Ecuadoran cities to cooperate in COVID-19 fight

Authorities from the city of Guaranda, Ecuador, and the city of Weifang in China's Shandong province have agreed to be united in the battle against COVID-19, the Ecuadoran city's government reported on Friday.

Guaranda Mayor Medardo Chimbolema and Weifang Mayor Tian Qingying signed a Letter of Intent for Twinning and Friendly Cooperation during a videoconference in which they also shared experience in the fight against the virus.

"As the Chinese embassy in Ecuador, we are willing to continue to provide strong support for bilateral local exchanges to build a bridge of mutual understanding and communication between the two peoples," said Chinese Ambassador to Ecuador Chen Guoyou, who attended the conference.

The document establishes the exchange of knowledge, management, and treatment of the novel coronavirus between Weifang and Guaranda, which as of Thursday reported 807 COVID-19 cases.

During the videoconference, both Chimbolema and Tian highlighted the importance of exchanging experience and solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.

Since COVID-19 was first detected in Ecuador on Feb. 29, China has supported the South American country's fight against the disease, hosting videoconferences as well as giving donations of equipment and medical supplies.

Ecuador has registered over 113,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths from COVID-19, according to its Ministry of Health.