President Xi Jinping underlined the need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in telephone conversations with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Monday night.

Xi conveyed his sincere sympathies to the two presidents over the outbreak in their countries and expressed firm support for their combating the contagion.

It is more necessary to safeguard multilateralism and uphold international justice and morality, Xi said, noting that China will carry out international anti-epidemic cooperation and support the World Health Organization playing a leading role

In speaking with Rouhani, Xi said the two countries' mutual support and assistance in the virus battle fully demonstrates the profound friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Saying China has provided medical supplies to Iran and also sent Chinese medical experts, the first team dispatched abroad to help fight the epidemic, Xi said China stands ready to continue to strengthen cooperation, share experience and provide further assistance to the best of its ability.

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Xi stressed that the international community should intensify coordination and cooperation over the global public health emergency, and said unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran will undermine anti-epidemic efforts. China firmly supports Iran in upholding its national sovereignty and dignity, Xi said, and the country is willing to work with the international community, including Iran, to uphold global public health security.

Rouhani thanked Xi for China's assistance and vowed to work with Beijing to strengthen health cooperation and further develop the strategic partnership between the two countries.

While talking with Bhandari, Xi underlined the importance of global solidarity and cooperation in the face of the pandemic.

It is more necessary to safeguard multilateralism and uphold international justice and morality, Xi said, noting that China will carry out international anti-epidemic cooperation and support the World Health Organization playing a leading role.

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Xi said that China will continue to provide firm support and suggested the public health institutions of the two countries strengthen exchanges and cooperation.

Bhandari said Nepal highly praised China's resolute and effective measures to contain the epidemic as well as efforts to promote international health cooperation. Nepal is willing to jointly build the Belt and Road with China as well as promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, she said.

Contact the writers at mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn