On 1 February, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt avu o lu.

avu o lu conveyed condolences and sympathies on the loss of lives and to the families who lost their loved ones to the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak. He expressed full recognition of China's strong response to the outbreak and confidence that the measures China took would soon pay off. Turkey has provided some medical supplies needed for the response and is ready to do more to support China if there is any need.

Wang thanked Turkey for its medical supplies to China at such a crucial moment in the fight against the outbreak. It demonstrates Turkey's friendship towards the Chinese people. Wang said that China and Turkey are friends and partners. It is only natural that the two countries would stand firmly with each other in times of difficulty. Under the direct leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has put in place a nationwide mechanism to battle the outbreak with concerted efforts. With a strong ability to mobilize resources and rich experience in tackling public health emergencies, China will win the battle against the outbreak at an early date.

Wang said that the WHO Director-General has spoken highly of the decisive measures China has taken to fight the outbreak. The Director-General said that China has done more than what is required by the International Health Regulations (2005) and recommended by the WHO. The WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions against China. China believes that Turkey will fully respect the professional advice of the WHO, continue its normal exchanges and economic cooperation with China and firmly support China in its control efforts.

avu o lu agreed with Wang's remarks and said that the WHO statement is accurate and balanced. He is confident that China is fully capable of overcoming the outbreak.