(ECNS) -- China and Pakistan held the first video meeting under a joint COVID-19 response cooperation mechanism on Tuesday after the mechanism was established the same day, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The two countries set up this mechanism to strengthen multi-agency coordination and communication and promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields against the backdrop of regular epidemic prevention and control, said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry at a press conference Wednesday.
China and Pakistan will continue to take targeted measures to control the spread of the epidemic or its resurgence and to stop cross-border transmission, deepening cooperation and experience-sharing in fighting COVID-19, he said, adding that China will do its best to provide support and assistance according to Pakistan's needs
He said the two sides should continue to promote personnel exchanges and economic and trade cooperation on the premise of effective quarantine measures, be good hosts to each other's students and nationals, and ensure smooth progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
After the outbreak of COVID-19, Pakistani President Alvi led a delegation to China in March, demonstrating support and solidarity for China's efforts to combat the coronavirus. Pakistan has also mobilized the whole country to provide material assistance to China.
In response to Pakistan's needs, China has provided materials, sent medical experts and held video conferences to help Pakistan fight the epidemic.
This demonstrates that the two countries, standing together through thick and thin, are a community with a shared future, said Zhao, adding that he hopes the two sides will take the establishment of this mechanism as an opportunity to further join forces against COVID-19 and defeat the virus at an early date.
