Wang Yi stresses solidarity and mutual trust in rebuilding post-COVID-19 world

To contain the raging virus and plan for the post-COVID world, countries need to draw experience and lessons from the disaster, build consensus and strength through collective response, and work together to usher in a better future for humanity, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

He made the remarks via video when addressing the Global Town Hall on "Rebuilding from the COVID-19 World" on Friday.

Enhanced solidarity and cooperation, strengthened multilateral coordination, enhanced dialogue and mutual trust play an important role for countries in fight for an early victory against COVID-19, Wang stressed.

Noting that China is one of the first countries to effectively contain the coronavirus, Wang said that the country will continue to leverage its strengths to advance international cooperation on epidemic response, and share its experience on containment and treatment with other countries.

"We believe that countries need to promote global economic recovery through greater openness and integration," he added and mentioned the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was formally signed a few days ago.

"The RCEP marked the establishment of the world's largest free trade area. With concrete actions, participating countries have sent a clear message of their shared commitment to openness and cooperation," Wang said.

Speaking of China's role during the process as a responsible major country in East Asia, the foreign minister noted that China will remain guided by its neighborhood policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.

"In promoting cooperation, China will continue to advocate the spirit of mutual respect, the principle of openness and inclusiveness, and a development-centered approach," he said, highlighting that China will firmly support ASEAN centrality, and stay committed to properly handling disputes with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation.

"It stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to safeguard regional peace and stability, and work with the whole international community to build a post-COVID world that enjoys lasting peace, prosperity, stability, and fairness and justice," he stressed.

At the end of his speech, he called on all countries to come together and forge ahead side by side. "Our world will emerge from the pandemic more prosperous, and that humanity will embrace a better future."