State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne in Munich on 14 February.

State Councilor Wang said that the Chinese people are acting as one and going all out against the novel coronavirus outbreak. As a result, the outbreak has been effectively contained, and cure rates are climbing. We will not slacken in our effort to cure the patients, and will continue to cooperate with the international community to win the fight as quickly as possible. China appreciates Canada's sensible, cool-headed and science-based approach to the outbreak and its valuable support and assistance to China.

Foreign Minister Champagne commended the exceptional leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government in responding to the outbreak. He noted that China's important contribution to curbing the spread of the epidemic has been widely praised. Unlike some countries, Canada did not stop its normal interactions with China and is opposed to any discriminatory actions. Canada will stick to this position. All in all, the Canadian government and people will stand firmly with the Chinese people in this battle and will continue to provide all necessary assistance to China. He rooted for China and for Wuhan in particular, and wished China a speedy victory against this severe epidemic. He also expressed his hope for an early visit to China at a mutually convenient time to show support for China.

Wang said that China and Canada enjoy a tradition of supporting each other in trying times, a tradition that China wants to carry forward with Canada. China is ready to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year to strengthen communication with Canada, work together to address outstanding issues between the two sides, and bring China-Canada relations and cooperation in various areas back to the track of sound and steady development at an early date.