KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia and China should strengthen exchanges and cooperation to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Wednesday.
Containing the COVID-19 outbreak is the biggest challenge faced by the Malaysian government at the moment, said Muhyiddin when receiving a courtesy call by Chinese ambassador Bai Tian, adding that Malaysia has taken a series of measures in a bid to contain the spread of the virus and beat the outbreak, according to a statement released by the Chinese embassy.
China's success in containing the outbreak within two months is admirable, said Muhyiddin. The two countries should strengthen joint efforts to contain the outbreak, he said.
For his part, Bai briefed Muhyiddin on the measures taken by China in containing the outbreak, expressing appreciation for the support rendered by Malaysia when China went through a difficult time in fighting the epidemic.
China will spare no effort to support Malaysia in defeating the COVID-19 outbreak, including sharing knowledge on COVID-19 containment and therapy, providing possible technical and material support, and offering convenience to Malaysia on the import of protective gears and medical equipment from China, said Bai.
Muhyiddin, who was sworn in as Malaysia's Prime Minister on March 1, pointed out the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and China, saying he is willing to push for greater development of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The prime minister said he is looking forward to greater cooperation with China in areas including investment, trade, infrastructure, technology, security for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.
