KATHMANDU: China has said that it will keep the neighboring countries in top priority for extending assistance in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed the commitment during a video conference with foreign ministers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal, and called on more efforts to strengthen coordination over the prevention and control of COVID-19.

Wang made four proposals regarding regional cooperation in the post-COVID-19 era. He said these countries should jointly reject politicizing or stigmatizing virus.

He also called on efforts to strengthen coordination in anti-epidemic prevention and control and promote cooperation in vaccine research, as well as economic recovery.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali thanked the Chinese government for its support and praised China’s victory over the coronavirus.

Mentioning that China is a close neighbor of Nepal, Gyawali expressed the view that he is fully hopeful of receiving assistance in the future as well.