BEIJING — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone talk with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, saying bilateral friendship will make new progress amid the fight against COVID-19.

Di Maio briefed on Italy's latest development on the epidemic prevention and control work and thanked China for its solicitude and support for Italy, adding that it fully demonstrates the traditional friendship between the two peoples.

Pointing out the severe situation in Italy at present, Di Maio said the Italian government is paying close attention to and learning from China's successful experience in the anti-virus fight, taking strong measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Italy is facing a shortage of medical supplies and equipment, said Di Maio, expressing his hopes that China will help solve the urgent need.

The overseas Chinese living in Italy have played an active role in the fight against the epidemic, said Di Maio, adding that Italy will continue to take full care of their health and safety.

Wang, for his part, said that as a good friend and comprehensive strategic partner of Italy, China, again with condolence for and support to Italy, fully understands the challenges Italy is confronting.

The epidemic knows no border and is a common enemy of mankind, Wang noted and called for solidarity of the international community to combat the virus.

Upholding the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is dedicated not only to making all-out efforts to keep the Chinese people safe and sound, but also to making contributions to global public health security, Wang said.

Not long ago, China made donations to the World Health Organization to support international cooperation on the COVID-19 fight. China is also offering help within its capacity to countries where the epidemic situation is severe or where medical conditions are poor, Wang said.

Noting that the Chinese people will not forget the precious support from Italy when China was at its hardest moment in the fight against the virus, Wang said China is now willing to stand firmly by the side of the Italian people as well.

Though China itself at present still needs a large amount of medical materials, the country, overcoming the difficulties, will offer Italy with assistance like medical materials including face masks, and accelerate and enhance the exports of supplies and equipments to meet Italy's urgent need, Wang said.

If the Italian side requires, Wang said, China would like to send medical personnel to Italy to help combat the novel coronavirus.

The Chinese cities and provinces which enjoy friendship relations with their Italian peers, as well as Chinese enterprises, will also offer support and aid to Italy, the minister added.

Wang said he believes the joint battle against the novel coronavirus will help deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

China appreciates that the Italian side has paid high attention to the health and safety of the Chinese nationals in Italy, and hopes that Italy will continue to offer them necessary help and support, the minister said.

Hand in hand, China and Italy will prevail over the epidemic eventually, Wang added.