China willing to boost cooperation with Egypt, Arab countries in fighting COVID-19: ambassador
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Egypt and Arab states in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic amid growing friendly ties between China and the Arab world, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang said.
"So far, Chinese medical experts have held eight video conferences with Egyptian counterparts. China is so willing to strengthen remote consultation, dialogue and cooperation in the development and use of vaccines with Egypt," Liao said at an online press conference on Wednesday.
In early February, Egypt provided aid to China to help with its fight against COVID-19 and China later sent three batches of medical aid to the North African country, the latest of which was in mid-May.
"As far as I know, the Chinese side will also donate a batch of anti-epidemic materials specifically for women and adolescents in Egypt," the Chinese ambassador said.
He also hailed Egypt's "strong leadership" and the bravery of the Egyptian medics during their battle against the novel coronavirus.
Liao's remarks came a couple of days after the 9th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) was held via video link, where they discussed joint collaboration in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The Chinese ambassador described the forum as a successful Sino-Arab diplomatic platform that "fully reflects China's close relationship with Arab countries."
On June 5, a day before the CASCF ministerial meeting, Liao delivered a batch of anti-coronavirus medical aid sent by the Chinese government to the Cairo-based Arab League.
