China's approach to fighting the novel coronavirus is a responsible one that takes into account the interests of the Chinese people and the international community, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday while holding a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.  

Expressing thanks to Zarif, the first foreign minister to voice support for China, Wang reaffirmed China's confidence and capability to win the war against the coronavirus as the number of recovered cases has surpassed those of deaths since Saturday. 

While praising the Chinese government's efforts to control the crisis and prevent its spread, Zarif opposed politicizing such issues. 

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In a separate phone call with Sudanese Foreign Minister Asma Mohamed Abdalla, Wang recalled the moment China became one of the first countries to respond to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. 

In turn, Wang said he believes the people of Africa will firmly support China's efforts to fight against the epidemic this time.

Sending her sincere condolences to the Chinese government and its people, Abdalla said Sudan has every confidence that China will win the battle. 

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Saudi Arabia also expressed support for China. 

In a phone call with Wang, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud spoke highly of China's responsibility in treating patients in the epidemic battle, voicing confidence that China is fully capable of prevailing over the outbreak. 

Wang expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for standing firmly with China in fighting the coronavirus.  

The epidemic is temporary, while cooperation and friendship between China and Saudi Arabia will maintain for a very long time, said Wang.