President Xi Jinping spoke with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on the phone on the evening of 13 February.

President Xi noted that the call initiated by Prime Minister Mahathir, an old friend of the Chinese people, at this critical moment in China's fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak, speaks volumes about Malaysia's friendship and support toward China. The outbreak may affect the normal people-to-people exchange between the two countries for the time being, but it will not shake the deep friendship between the two peoples. As China and Malaysia work together to tackle the outbreak, it is important to further deepen bilateral relations and particularly Belt and Road cooperation to deliver more benefits to the two countries and peoples.

Xi stressed that the Chinese government has made this fight against the outbreak its top priority and has rallied the whole country to confront the challenge with the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures. Such measures are working, as evidenced by low case fatality rates, breakthroughs in therapeutics, and rising cure rates. The Chinese government will continue to lead the nation in winning this battle through confidence, unity, and a science-based and targeted approach. China can and will minimize the impact of the outbreak, shore up its economic momentum, meet the development targets set for this year and get ever closer to its long-term goal.

Xi said that China appreciates the invaluable understanding and support from the international community, especially Malaysia and other friendly neighbors, whose governments and people have reached out to China and provided timely help. This is a vivid example of solidarity among the countries in our region. China will work more closely with Malaysia and all other ASEAN countries to curb the epidemic in the spirit of openness and transparency and uphold public health security in this region. China will continue to take good care of Malaysians and all other foreign nationals in China like its own.

Prime Minister Mahathir expressed, on behalf of the Malaysian government, sympathies to the Chinese government and people over the outbreak. He commended the tremendous effort and good progress China has made in fighting the epidemic and hailed it as a contribution to global public security from a responsible major country. As a sincere friend, Malaysia has provided China with a batch of medical supplies and stands ready to offer further assistance. ASEAN countries are ready to work with China on the epidemic. Malaysia believes that, under the leadership of President Xi, the Chinese people will prevail over the epidemic and China will resume its development. Malaysia highly appreciates China's contribution to Malaysia's development over the years and will deepen practical cooperation with China and promote the friendly ties between the two countries.