Mongolia shows solidarity with China in fighting against COVID-19

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in China, Mongolian leaders, representatives from various sectors, students and even children have been expressing solidarity with China in its battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

"We believe that under the strong leadership of the Chinese government, China will overcome the epidemic as soon as possible," Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said at a recent meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Chai Wenrui.

"Mongolia attaches great importance to developing relations with China and regards the development of friendly and cooperative relations with China as a priority of Mongolia's foreign policy," he said. "Our relationship is currently in its best period in history."

The Mongolian government has donated $200,000 for China's epidemic control efforts. The prime minister said Mongolia is willing to continue to provide necessary support to China.

Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar told Xinhua in a recent interview that China has been taking "highly organized measures" to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

To help China's anti-coronavirus efforts be more effective, other countries need to be equally responsible and take preventive measures, he said, adding that Mongolia has been following the recommendations of the World Health Organization to prevent an epidemic.

Employees of various organizations in Mongolia, including staff of the National Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Center of Mongolia and the Physical Culture and Sports Authority of Mongolia, have donated one day's wages for epidemic control.

Many Mongolian children have sent letters of encouragement to the Chinese people and donated some money they had saved.

A 10-year-old Mongolian girl living in China has recently written a letter to Chinese "white angels," or doctors, and donated 333 yuan (about $47.5) to the capital city of Beijing, northern China's Tianjin Municipality, and central China's Henan province, respectively.

Speaking of the donation figure of 333, she said that the Chinese pronunciation of 333 sounds similar to the word "scattered" in Chinese, hoping that the virus would disperse soon.

As many more Mongolians wish to donate money and prevention supplies to China to help contain the spread of the epidemic, the Mongolian government last week launched a nationwide campaign called "Emotional Support to Eternal Neighbor."

During the launching ceremony of the campaign, Mongolian Environment and Tourism Minister Namsrai Tserenbat highlighted China's great contribution to the social and economic development of Mongolia, underlining the necessity of supporting China in fighting COVID-19.

In recent years, China and Mongolia have witnessed remarkable achievements in economic and trade cooperation thanks to their joint efforts.

China has for years been Mongolia's largest trading partner and largest export destination. Last year, the two neighbors extensively celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.