Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation on March 31 with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As the pandemic is spreading worldwide and Ireland also feels the impact, China shows firm support to Irish efforts in the epidemic fight and is willing to offer necessary assistance to the country within its capacity, Premier Li said.

China stands ready to provide convenience for Ireland in purchasing and transporting medical supplies from China, increase exchanges in epidemic control experiences, and carry out bilateral cooperation in medical research, he added.

He also stressed that China pays great attention to the health and legal rights of overseas Chinese citizens, and hoped that Ireland could ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Ireland.

Varadkar said that China made spectacular achievements and progress in epidemic prevention and had timely exchanges with the World Health Organization and the international society, which deserves respect from the whole world.

As COVID-19 is spreading, Ireland fully appreciates China's support and help and hopes that China will offer further support for prevention supplies procurement and strengthen cooperation in medical research and development.

Ireland will guarantee the legal rights of Chinese expats including students, he added.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also participated.