Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said China will contribute to COVID-19 vaccine accessibility and affordability in all countries.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

In the face of the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, China and Dominica have joined hands to combat the pandemic, a manifestation of the profound friendship between the two sides, Xi said, adding that China will continue to provide help and support to developing countries, including Dominica, in the fight against the pandemic. 

The Chinese president also said both countries should firmly support the World Health Organization and cooperate to build a global community of health for all. 

Although China and Dominica are far apart, the two countries are good friends, sharing mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, said Xi. 

According to Xi, in the nearly 17 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have made great progress, with both sides supporting each other on issues of core interest, cooperating well in areas such as infrastructure construction, agriculture, healthcare and education, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.  

He also said China appreciates that Dominica has made the development of its relations with China a diplomatic priority and is willing to continue to assist Dominica in its economic and social development to the best of its ability.  

"I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Dominica friendly and cooperative relations will definitely develop even better," Xi said. 

For his part, Skerrit said the Chinese government adheres to a people-centered approach and is committed to addressing the issue of unbalanced development, providing valuable assistance to Dominica and other developing countries in their economic and social development.  

He reiterated that Dominica adheres to the one-China policy, supports the peaceful reunification of China, resolutely opposes foreign interference in China's internal affairs and stands firmly with China on issues relating to Hong Kong and Taiwan.  

Skerrit said Dominica appreciates China's leadership in addressing global climate change and stressed that Dominica will actively participate in building the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting the development of relations between Caribbean countries and China.