Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said the novel coronavirus outbreak cannot stop China from keeping its pace towards national rejuvenation. He made the remarks while meeting with the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States Paul Gallagher on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

The Chinese foreign minister said China is a country with 5,000 years of civilization and has undergone the test of violent storms and waves throughout history.

Referring to the critical moment of China's fight against the epidemic, Gallagher on behalf of Pope Francis and the Vatican's Secretary of State, conveyed the Holy See's respect and support to China.

China has the wisdom and courage to defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, he added.

Noting that the epidemic has begun to be brought under control, Wang told Gallagher that the virus is the common enemy of mankind and the international community should work together to deal with it. China believes that the Vatican side will play a constructive role in pushing the international community to support and cooperate with China's efforts to fight the epidemic in an objective, rational and scientific manner and jointly safeguard global health and security.

The two sides also highlighted the importance of the provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops signed in 2018.

This is the first meeting between the foreign ministers of China and the Vatican and Wang said the bilateral meeting is a continuation of the China-Vatican positive connection over time and will pave the way for further exchanges in the future.

China is willing to further enhance understanding and mutual trust with the Vatican side so that the momentum of positive interaction between the two sides can continue to develop, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Iranian FM: The unity of the Chinese people impresses the world

Wang also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday. The two ancient civilizations agreed to further enhance communication and cooperation.

Noting that Zarif was the first foreign minister to send condolences to the Chinese people after the outbreak, Wang said this fully reflects the deep friendship between the two peoples in supporting each other and jointly tackling difficulties.

"We both have experienced all kinds of storms and difficulties in history and no difficulties can't stop us from moving forward," the Chinese foreign minister said.

China has full confidence to win the battle against the epidemic, he added.

While fighting the epidemic, President Xi Jinping displayed outstanding leadership and the unity of the Chinese people impressed the world, Zarif said during the meeting.

The Iranian government and people will continue to provide all necessary support and help to China, he added.

The Iranian foreign minister also said Iran appreciates China's long-term support for Iran's legitimate rights and interests, and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China on bilateral ties and other issues, including the Iran nuclear deal.

Serbia President: China and Serbia are 'iron brothers'

Serbia and China are "iron brothers" and the friendship between the two sides is crucial to Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said during Friday's meeting with Wang.

The Serbian side will never forget the sincere help given by China when it was in need, and Serbia is always a partner that China can trust and rely on, the president said.

"If China has any favor to ask for, please feel free to tell us," he added.

The Serbian president also said he is ready to visit China at any time to show his firm support for the Chinese people through practical actions.

We are proud of having such a good friend as Serbia, Wang said, adding that with the efforts of the Chinese people and the firm support of all parties, including Serbia, winning the battle against the epidemic seems only a matter of time.

The Chinese foreign minister also said that although Serbia in scale is small, it is a country which sticks to principles, values friendship and owns integrity.

Austrian Chancellor : China is an important partner

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Friday noted that China is an important partner of Austria and voiced his support for China's fight against epidemic during his meeting with Chinese foreign minister.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria. Kurz said the Austrian side is willing to take this opportunity to jointly implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen cooperation with China in various fields, and promote new development of Sino-Austrian friendly strategic partnership.

Wang thanked the Austrian side for its valuable support in China's fight against the epidemic, adding that in recent years, high-level exchanges between China and Austria have been frequent and bilateral relations have developed rapidly.

China will continue to take the Austrian side as a trustworthy partner, further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between the two countries, and strengthen mutual support and cooperation in international affairs, he said.

Canada FM: Canada opposes to any discriminatory practices

Unlike some other countries, Canada has never stopped its normal exchanges with China since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and is opposed to any discriminatory practices, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told the Chinese foreign minister on Friday, adding that Canada will continue to do so.

China has made important contributions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and has been widely appreciated by all sides, Champagne added.

"I would also like to visit China at an early date at the convenience of both sides to show my support for China," he said.

Wang said China will continue to do its best to treat the patients and cooperate with the international community to strive for victory in the battle against the epidemic.

China appreciates that Canada has always adhered to a rational, calm, and scientific attitude, since the novel coronavirus outbreak started, and provided valuable support, he added.

The Chinese foreign minister also said that China and Canada have a tradition of mutual support in difficult times, and the Chinese side is willing to carry forward this tradition with Canada.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. Wang told his Canadian counterpart that China is willing to take this opportunity to strengthen communication with Canada, work together to solve some problems existing in the current bilateral relations, and push China-Canada relations and cooperation in various fields back to the track of sound and stable development.

NATO chief: NATO does not see China as a rival

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday noted that despite China's rapid rise, NATO does not see China as an adversary, but stands ready to strengthen relations with China. 

During talks with the Chinese foreign minister, NATO chief expressed his sympathy to China over the novel coronavirus outbreak and affirmed the efforts of the Chinese government and people in fighting the epidemic.

NATO has always advocated that all countries should abide by and maintain the rule-based international order, and is willing to strengthen dialogue with China on this issue, as well as cooperate with China on Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iraq, arms control and other issues, Stoltenberg said.

He believes NATO will benefit greatly from its cooperation with China and contribute to the maintenance of world peace and security.

Wang briefed Stoltenberg on the latest progress in the fight against the epidemic and appreciated his positive comments on China's achievements.

Noting that the Chinese nation advocates peace in its cultural genes, Wang said that China is following a different path from other major countries, that is, pursuing its own peaceful development and also win-win cooperation with the rest of the world.

China follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and its per-capita defense expenditure is far lower than other major countries, Wang said, adding that in response to the new international security situation, China has also proposed a new concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.

These are positive contributions made by China to world peace, he said, adding that the country will continue to resolutely follow the right path of peace and cooperation.

China and NATO members do not have geopolitical conflicts and competition, and different views on some issues should not be the obstacle for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, Wang said.

Wang voiced hope that NATO will continue to foster a correct view of China and regard China as a friend and partner.