On 18th February 2020, Ambassador Li Minggang held a press conference at the Chinese Embassy on China's fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak, attended by over 20 journalists from local mainstream media agencies including Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait Television (KTV), Al Anbaa, Al Qabas, Al Seyassah, Al Nahar, Al Rai, Kuwait Times as well as China's Xinhua News Agency.
At the press conference, Ambassador Li gave a comprehensive briefing on the latest development of the novel coronavirus epidemic, preventive and control measures taken by the Chinese government and positive results therefrom. Li stressed that, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has implemented the most comprehensive and strict control measures to curb the virus transmission and spreading which are producing positive effects. The epidemic is overallpreventable, controllable and curable. With strong leadership, institutional advantages, as well as dedicated and innovative medical personnel, we have full confidence and capability in winning this battle against the virus.
Ambassador Li noted that, the Chinese government, in an open, transparent and responsible manner, has timely reported information on the outbreak to international community and actively carried out international cooperation, which has received broad appreciation and support from international community. The WHO Director-General emphasized that China deserves appreciation for its enormous efforts and sacrifices in fighting the epidemic. To date, leaders from more than 160 countries and international organizations have expressed condolences and support to China; donations and material assistance from over 40 countries have been delivered to the epicenter. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah have sent cables of condolences to President Xi Jinping and their Chinese counterparts and expressed appreciation and support to China's control measures.We are grateful for all support and assistance.
Ambassador Li affirmed that the Chinese government also cares about the safety and health of foreign nationals residing in China. Measures have been taken to address their reasonable concerns and demands in a timely manner. Many expats in China commend China's caring, help and positive measures.
Ambassador Li further said that after the outbreak, the Kuwaiti health authorities have implemented a series of preventive measures. The Chinese Embassy has been closely communicating and coordinating with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health and other authorities. The Kuwaiti side conveyed its understanding of China's control measures, and expressed its readiness to provide necessary support to China.
The attending journalists highly valued China's control measures to fight the epidemic, and asked questions on the outbreak's impact on China's economy and some rumors spread in the society, where Ambassador Li gave answers and clarifications in detail.
The press conference is widely covered by Kuwaiti media outlets, citing Ambassador Li's statement and responses to questions at length.