Commentary by Ambassador Cai Run*
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has taken the most comprehensive and rigorous measures to prevent and control the epidemic, taking a highly responsible attitude toward people’s lives and health.
President Xi Jinping has directed the battle against the virus, and the Chinese people quickly launched a nationwide campaign to prevent and control the epidemic. At present, the spread of the epidemic has been contained for the moment, and initial progress has been made in prevention and control.
Portugal is one of the countries that is most friendly and open to China and a best friend and partner of China in the European Union. Since the epidemic broke out, condolences and support have been sent from the Portuguese government and civil society to China and the Chinese people, demonstrating the sincere friendship between the two peoples.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa wrote a letter to President Xi, wishing China a major victory in resolutely controlling the epidemic, preventing the spread of the virus and ultimately eradicating the epidemic. Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education Manuel Heitor, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Teresa Ribeiro and General Secretary of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) Jerónimo de Sousa highly praised the Chinese government’s efforts to fight against the epidemic, especially its close cooperation with the international community and its comprehensive, stringent epidemic prevention and control measures, which have made immeasurable contributions to the prevention of the spread of the virus in the world.
Administration of Health Director-General Graça Freitas said publicly that the strict and effective prevention and control measures taken by the Chinese government have gone far beyond the requirements of the World Health Organization (WhO). The Chinese who came to Portugal recently insisted on home quarantine and established a support mechanism to help each other, which far exceeded the requirements of the Portuguese health and medical institutions.‘Noble’ actions
Chinese Ambassador Cai Run (right) shakes hands with a Chinese businessman in downtown Lisbon on February 28. The Lisbon Municipal Council and the Chinese embassy in Portugal late last month launched a campaign to visit Chinese businesses in a bid to stem discrimination against Asians following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). – Xinhua
‘I love China, I love Portugal’
A friend in need is a friend indeed. The integrity, kindness, courage and love shown by our Portuguese friends at this moment is touching and admirable.
Since the outbreak, the Chinese side has always maintained close communication with the Portuguese authorities, updated the Portuguese side timely on prevention and control measures, and assisted the Portuguese citizens evacuated from Wuhan. The Chinese embassy in Portugal has also required Chinese citizens in Portugal or visiting Portugal to actively follow the Portuguese prevention and control measures and reminded the overseas Chinese in Portugal who had recently returned from China to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days, showing an attitude of strengthening international cooperation and being open, transparent and responsible. The work of the Chinese embassy has received strong support and positive response from the Portuguese government.
Currently, the China-Portugal relationship is at the best it has ever been. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership. China and Portugal will continue to promote pragmatic cooperation in all areas within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while carrying out epidemic prevention and control cooperation at the same time. China is ready to work with Portugal and other countries in the world to deepen mutual trust and cooperation, fight against the epidemic and safeguard the life and health of the people of both countries and the world together, promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.*The author is the Chinese ambassador to Portugal.
