State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks by phone with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korčok of Slovakia

On 6 May, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a phone call from Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korčok.

Wang noted the traditional friendship between the peoples of China and Slovakia despite the geographical distance and difference in national conditions and underscored the need to cherish and enhance this friendship. China appreciates the fact that the new Slovak government has made its relations with China a priority on the diplomatic front and sincerely hopes that under the leadership of the new government, the Slovak people will embark on a path of success that suits their national conditions. Wang reaffirmed China's readiness to deepen all-round cooperation and share governance experience with Slovakia on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Wang stressed China's long-standing commitment to the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. China stands for multilateralism and against unilateralism and is ready to coordinate and cooperate more closely with Slovakia in international affairs.

Noting the severe impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, Wang said that countries all face the important task of restoring economic activity and growth. China is ready to engage in collaborative prevention and control with Slovakia. China will also work with Slovakia to seek the orderly resumption of economic and trade flows with all necessary measures in place to prevent a resurgence of infections. The two countries should also work together to uphold the multilateral trading regime and promote an open world economy.

Wang pointed out that China is the first country to report the disease to WHO, which demonstrates China's high sense of responsibility in dealing with the virus. Yet being the first to report the virus does not necessarily make China the origin of it. The origin of the novel coronavirus should be the subject of study for scientists and medical experts free from political interference. This is a matter of science. No political manipulation can trump science on this matter.

Wang said that China has provided emergency medical supplies to more than 150 countries and some international organizations since the onset of COVID-19. China did not attach any strings or have any geopolitical considerations in mind when offering such assistance. China helped other countries only because we are a responsible major country that cherishes humanitarianism and believes in humanity being a community with a shared future. Justice will prevail. Truth will triumph over lies. Human beings have learned to thrive in the course of overcoming one virus after another. The novel coronavirus will be no exception. We will defeat the virus and seize this opportunity to strengthen the global public health system and lift the capacity of public health governance.

Korčok noted the long-standing friendship and great potential for cooperation between the two countries. He reaffirmed the new government's commitment to the one-China policy, adding that to develop relations and deepen bilateral cooperation with China is a priority for Slovakia's foreign policy. As an EU member, Slovakia firmly supports multilateralism. It sees China as an important partner in the international arena and hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international affairs. Slovakia thanks China for the timely anti-epidemic assistance it has received and looks forward to enhancing communication and coordination with China to jointly respond to the economic impact of COVID-19 on both countries. Slovakia agrees that the origin of the novel coronavirus is a matter of science that should be left to the scientists and professional experts.