China hails Senate resolution of support on battle with coronavirus

Foreign Ministry spokesperson says Beijing ready to strengthen cooperation with Islamabad to combat epidemic

BEIJING: China on Tuesday expressed appreciation for the Pakistani Senate’s resolution that showed full solidarity and support to China’s battle with the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The resolution passed on Monday pledged full cooperation with China “in this difficult moment of the medical and health emergency,” and expressed its appreciation to China for having treated Pakistani citizens, especially in the central city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic.

“We note with high appreciation the resolution passed by the Pakistani side,” which stood as further testament to the unwavering friendship between the two countries as iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners with a tradition of mutual assistance, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

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The Pakistani Senate unanimously passed the resolution, moved by Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Monday evening, to express solidarity with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The resolution expressed its appreciation to the Chinese government for treating Pakistani citizens, especially students in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak, just like their own by providing them “protection and comfort”.

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Sayed told Xinhua that the main motive behind the move was to express full solidarity and support for China's battle with the coronavirus outbreak. The resolution extended full cooperation with "our Chinese brethren in this difficult moment of the medical and health emergency".

Geng said that the resolution “shows once again that we, as a community of a shared future, can always rely on each other in difficult times”. “China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan and other members of the international community to combat the epidemic and contribute to global public health,” he added.

“China will enhance communication and coordination with Pakistan and do its best to ensure the health and safety of Pakistani nationals in China with a highly responsible attitude,” Geng said.