As the epidemic is currently spreading worldwide and has become a global challenge, no country can be left alone, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Friday night, calling for the international community to strengthen cooperation with joint response.

Li made his remarks during a phone conversation with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU).

Li expressed sympathies to Croatia over the COVID-19 outbreak. He said China stands ready to provide support for Croatia's fight as its capability allows, and offer convenience for it to purchase medical supplies from China through commercial channels.

Li expressed the hope Croatia will provide a strong guarantee for the safety and living convenience of Chinese engineers and technicians participating in the construction of major projects in Croatia, as well as Chinese citizens working and living in Croatia.

China actively supports Croatia's initiative to convene a video conference between EU and Chinese health ministers, Li said, and is ready to actively engage in international cooperation with EU members, including Croatia, to exchange and share experience in epidemic prevention, control, and treatment.

For his part, Plenkovic expressed his appreciation for China's hard work in combating COVID-19.

Noting that the outbreak is currently spreading in Croatia, he hopes China will offer support in his country's purchasing of supplies and equipment for the purpose of epidemic prevention.

Cooperation projects between Croatia and China continue to advance smoothly and are expected to yield more practical results in the wake of the epidemic, he said.

Croatia, as the rotating EU presidency, is committed to promoting EU-China cooperation and will convene an EU-China health ministers' video conference as soon as possible in order to exchange experience and join hands to fight the epidemic, he added.

China stands ready to assist Austria

Li on Friday evening also called Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on the COVID-19 pandemic, saying China is willing to provide assistance.

Noting that when the Chinese people were going through a difficult time with the COVID-19 outbreak, the Austrian government and its people provided valuable support and help, Li said that as the pandemic spreads rapidly in Austria, China firmly supports Austria's efforts to fight the outbreak and stands ready to provide assistance within its capabilities.

China will continue to assist Austria's purchase and transportation of medical supplies, Li said, hoping that the Austrian side guarantees the safety and convenience of Chinese nationals, including its students in the country.

Kurz said Austria is deeply impressed by China's achievements in fighting the novel coronavirus.

Noting that Austria and China are good friends, Kurz said that Austria is currently facing severe challenges in epidemic prevention and control, and still needs to purchase necessary medical materials and equipment.

He hopes that China will continue to provide help in this regard. 

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: A man fixes the Chinese flag in front of boxes with Protective suits and masks donated by a Chinese company in Vienna, Austria, March 20, 2020. /AP)