On 17th March 2020, Ambassador Li Minggang gave an exclusive interview on Kuwait Television's program "With You" via video link on the international cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.
Ambassador Li first reviewed the main process of China's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak by citing data and examples, noting that through more than 50 days of strenuous efforts, China has achieved important progress in fighting the epidemic, and the final victory over the epidemic is in sight. China's preliminary epidemic control experience lies in: a unified and efficient chain of command, scientific and accurate prevention and control measures, public cooperation and great self sacrifice, and in-depth international cooperation. China thanks many friends including Kuwait for their valuable support during China's battle against the COVID-19. His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to President Xi Jinping over the outbreak, and instructed to provide China with $3 million worth of medical supplies and aid, which are being delivered to Wuhan, China. We are deeply grateful for the support.
Regarding COVID-19 outbreak in Kuwait, Ambassador Li stated that China, as a friend of Kuwait, is concerned about the development of the outbreak in Kuwait, and that Kuwait's response to the outbreak is implemented in a scientific, timely and effective manner without squandering precious time China has bought for containing the spread of the epidemic. As residents of Kuwait, we would like to pay tribute to the medical staff for their contribution. It is believed that under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait will surely prevail over the epidemic as soon as possible.
Since the outbreak in Kuwait, the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait has maintained close contact with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. We introduced the situation in China and China's practices for their reference. Besides, we provided an electronic version of China's COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plan, and actively assisted the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to reach the Chinese companies for purchasing supplies. We have also expressed our desire to strengthen medical cooperation between China and Kuwait to jointly tackle the COVID-19 epidemic.
Ambassador Li pointed out that the world is suffering from the COVID-19, and virus knows no national borders. As a community of shared future, all humankind can only overcome such difficulties by strengthening cooperation. In light of this, China has been transparent from the beginning in sharing information in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus. As China continues its combat against of the COVID-19, we also provide help and support to the best of our ability. We provided a large amount of testing kits and supplies to Japan and South Korea, as well as sent medical expert teams to Iran, Italy, Iraq and other countries to help these countries fight the epidemic.
Regarding the issue of stigmatizing China by labeling the epidemic, Ambassador Li stressed that China's international contribution is visible to all by winning two months of time for the world through great sacrifice. Recently a few politicians and media agencies in some countries have intentionally attacked or stigmatized China, while wasting the time China has bought for the globe in containing the virus, which is extremely foolish and irresponsible to their own people.
"With You" is an Arabic commentary program aired daily on Kuwait Television Channel 1 in prime-time with a wide audience.