KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has requested for Government of China's cooperation and facilitation for the purchase of essential medicines and medical equipment on G-to-G basis.

Minister Gyawali made this request in the telephone conversation he held with State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Wang Yi, on Monday evening.

China's Foreign Minister assured of cooperation and necessary facilitation for the purchase of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal.

The two foreign ministers shared views on the ongoing measures taken by their respective governments in the fight against COVID-19.

Foreign Minister Gyawali appreciated China's resolute efforts in containing and controlling the coronavirus pandemic in China and in supporting the countries in need in their fight against the pandemic disease. On his part, foreign minister Yi appreciated Nepal government's swift and firm actions in containing the spread of the virus and assured of China's cooperation in this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Foreign Minister Gyawali appreciated the spontaneous assistance of medical logistics provided to Nepal by the government of China, provincial governments and other philanthropic and social organisations. He also conveyed appreciation to the government of China for the cooperation provided during the repatriation of Nepali students from Wuhan and for the protection and care of Nepali nationals currently living in China. He assured of necessary welfare and care of Chinese nationals currently staying in Nepal.

Foreign Minister Gyawali expressed thanks to the government of the People's Republic of China for agreeing to reopen Nepal-China border ports to facilitate the smooth supply of medical logistics and essential items of daily necessities into Nepal. In this context, Foreign Minister Gyawali shared the initiatives taken by the Government of Nepal to fight against coronavirus, including the need for expanding rapidly the testing facilities across the country.

The Chinese Foreign Minister appreciated the telephone call by Foreign Minister Gyawali and thanked for the solidarity and support extended to the people and government of China during the coronavirus epidemic.

The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction on the excellent state of bilateral relations and agreed to work together to further strengthen these relations in the days to come.