Xi highlights relations with Argentina, Dominican Republic

China would like to continue to cooperate with Argentina on fighting COVID-19 and offer assistance to the South American nation within its capacity, President Xi Jinping said.

Xi made the remark while exchanging views on disease prevention and cooperation with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez through letters, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

The people of China and Argentina have supported each other in the fight against the pandemic, which reflects the deep friendship between the people of the two countries, Xi said.

Noting that China and many Latin American nations, including Argentina, are facing arduous tasks in fighting the disease, stabilizing the economy and improving people's livelihoods, Xi reaffirmed China's wish to cooperate with Argentina on disease prevention and control.

China firmly supports Argentina's efforts to safeguard national stability and promote development, Xi said, adding that China would like to deepen bilateral exchanges and strengthen cooperation in all areas.

Fernandez said he appreciated the great efforts made by the Chinese government and people in fighting against COVID-19. He hailed the leading role that China has played in the global fight against the disease, saying that Argentina is thankful for China's help.

The two countries have demonstrated their friendship at such a difficult time, he said, adding that the Argentina-China comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation within multilateral frameworks will be further deepened.

Xi and Fernandez had previously exchanged messages on jointly fighting the disease in early April.

Congratulatory message

Xi on Tuesday congratulated Luis Rodolfo Abinader on winning the presidency of the Dominican Republic and pledged to work with him in promoting the greater development of bilateral ties.

In a congratulatory message to Abinader, Xi said that with the joint efforts of both sides, the relationship between China and the Dominican Republic has developed rapidly with the strengthening of mutual political trust and all-round practical cooperation achieving fruitful results since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

In May 2018, China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations after the Caribbean country severed "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan.

Xi said that he values developing China's relationship with the Dominican Republic and will work with Abinader to deepen friendly bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

According to election results on Monday, Abinader, who leads the country's opposition Modern Revolutionary Party, had won the presidency of the Dominican Republic with about 53 percent of Sunday's vote.

China has provided anti-epidemic materials to and shared treatment experience with the Dominican Republic since the novel coronavirus pandemic broke out in the country.