Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Inevitably, the current epidemic has temporarily affected the normal exchanges between China and Malaysia, said Xi. But the epidemic will not shake the deep friendship between the people of the two countries, he added.

While addressing the epidemic challenge together, China and Malaysia should continue to deepen their relationship, especially the joint Belt and Road construction, and achieve more fruits through cooperation to benefit the two countries and their people, Xi said.

Describing Mahathir as an "old friend of the Chinese people," Xi said the prime minister's proposal to have the phone conversation at this crucial moment shows Malaysia's friendship and support to China. 

Xi expressed China's confidence in winning the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak and minimizing its impact, adding that the country can maintain the trend of economic development. 

By taking strong measures to curb the outbreak, China is not only protecting the health of its people but also making contributions to public health across the world, he noted. 

"We will stay committed to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance cooperation with the international community and win the battle against the outbreak together," the Chinese president stressed. 

China will strengthen cooperation with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries in containing the epidemic and taking good care of Malaysian citizens and other foreign nationals in China, he said. 

Mahathir told Xi that Malaysia appreciates the huge efforts made by China in combating the epidemic and the progress that has been achieved, hailing China's contributions to global public safety. 

As a sincere friend of China, Malaysia has provided a batch of medical supplies to China and is willing to offer more help, the prime minister said. 

He expressed confidence that China will win the battle and resume normal development.

(Cover photo: Checking the temperatures of visitors is part of the coronavirus screening procedure in a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 5, 2020. /AP Photo)