Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for efforts in safeguarding the security and advancing the economic and social development of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region in the backdrop of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Wang made the remarks during an inspection tour to Tibet, where he held a symposium briefing local officials on the current international situation and the main schemes of the diplomatic work. 

Tibet's security and stability is closely related to the overall development of the country, he said. 

Facing challenges brought by the COVID-19 epidemic as well as the dramatically evolving international situation, the foreign ministry will be working with local officials to thoroughly implement the plan of the Communist Party of China(CPC) in governing Tibet, making contributions to the region's stability, opening-up as well as social and economic development. 

Wang stressed that in recent years, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, Tibet has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development, stabilizing border areas and facilitating cooperation. 

During his trip, Wang also went to Tibet's border areas to examine poverty alleviation efforts and border infrastructure.