Leaders from China and Germany said in a recent phone call that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in developing a potential cure for COVID-19, the deadly pneumonia-like disease.

China is willing to share its clinical experience and its preventive measures with Germany, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

The outbreak, first reported in central China's Wuhan City late December, has fast spiraled across the world. Some of the hardest-hit nations include Italy, Spain, Iran and South Korea. Meanwhile, the situation in China has greatly improved due to strict containment efforts.

As of Wednesday, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Germany have risen to 31,554 with 149 deaths, according to statistics from the RKI health institute.

"China will continue to support Germany in combating against the epidemic, and is willing to offer assistance as much as possible," President Xi said in the phone conversation, calling to fight against the novel coronavirus together.

President Xi also appreciated the German government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel for their support during the initial phase of the virus outbreak. 

"Those (help) will be kept in Chinese people's minds," he said.

He urged both sides to continue pushing cooperation in all respects to stabilize industries and supply chains. 

"Efforts need to be made in digging into potentials in emerging industries to minimize the impact on the economy," Xi noted.

China is ready to work with all other parties to step up coordination against COVID-19 and shore up confidence in the international community, President Xi stressed. 

Merkel echoed the need for further cooperation in medical areas, especially at a time when infections have soared across the European continent. 

Germany is in favor of facing the pandemic through cooperation with the international community with a fact-based and objective stand, Merkel said.

She hopes China will continue to push for cooperation between Germany and China – or Europe and China at large – even after the pandemic is over.