U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad has expressed his country's willingness to work with China in combating COVID-19 while appreciating China's consistent efforts in facilitating export of medical supplies to the United States. 

"I underscored that now is the time to look forward," Branstad said in a press release published on the U.S. Embassy's website on Friday, adding "I appreciate Chinese efforts to assist our government in the export of needed medical supplies to the United States."

Branstad stressed that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a "very good, productive" phone call last week about anti-pandemic cooperation, while also mentioning his discussion with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang over joint efforts.

He said the embassy has ramped up efforts in connecting Chinese and U.S. businesses "to meet the growing immediate needs for critical personal protective equipment in the United States." 

"No one country can fight this battle alone," the ambassador said, adding "I am confident that our two countries will continue to find ways to jointly cooperate to combat this common enemy that threatens the lives of all of us." 

While ending his personal message, he encouraged all the staff working for consulates in China to continue dedicating in their work to combat the virus considering how vital it is to the health and safety of their own family, friends and loved ones. 

"Moving forward together, I know that we will get through these difficult times," the ambassador concluded. 

(Cover: U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad speaks at an event to celebrate the re-introduction of American beef imports to China in Beijing, China June 30, 2017. /Reuters)