Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday vowed to provide assistance to countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance exchanges during separate phone talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad.

The number of coronavirus cases has surpassed 800,000 worldwide with over 39,000 deaths reported. Ireland recorded 2,910 cases and 54 deaths while Algeria confirmed 584 cases and 35 deaths.

Premier Li expressed sympathy for the suffering of the two countries. He assured the two leaders that China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to other countries and regions affected by the pandemic.

China is always ready to stand with the people of the two countries and enhance exchanges and cooperation on virus containment, noted Li, adding China expects Ireland and Algeria to take concrete actions to safeguard the personal health and safety of Chinese nationals in the two countries.

Noting the cooperative projects between China and Algeria, Li expressed hope the two countries can push forward bilateral ties after the outbreak.

Varadkar and Djerad praised China's achievement in the containment of the COVID-19 and its help to other countries.

Djerad expressed his satisfaction with Algeria's comprehensive strategic partnership with China, adding that Algeria is willing to advance bilateral projects with China.

The two leaders thanked China for its support and assistance, and expected further assistance in supplies procurement and medical treatment.

(Cover: An aircraft carrying medical aid from China arrives at Zaragoza airport in northern Spain, March 17, 2020. /Xinhua)