In order to demonstrate Pakistan's unequivocal solidarity with the Chinese leadership and the people in the wake of outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping on Thursday.

The prime minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the precious lives lost due to the outbreak of the virus, a press release said. He praised the relentless efforts undertaken by China for containing and controlling COVID-19 and underscored that the people and the Government of Pakistan stood firmly behind China in its decisive efforts to fight and eliminate the virus.

The prime minister underscored that timely, effective and far-reaching measures undertaken by China were being acknowledged globally. Imran Khan reiterated Pakistan's offer to send a field hospital along with a team of doctors to China to help Chinese people fight the virus.

While underscoring Pakistan's full trust in the measures being taken by the Chinese authorities, the prime minister expressed complete confidence that the Chinese nation under the inspiring leadership of President Xi will emerge stronger and victorious in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also appreciated China's strong resolve and special measures to look after Pakistani nationals during this difficult time. He expressed the confidence that China would continue to take best possible measures for the welfare of Pakistani nationals and students in China.

President Xi expressed profound gratitude for Pakistan's support to China at a critical time and underscored that China was taking effective, swift and timely measures to battle COVID-19. President Xi emphasized that China would win people's war against COVID-19.

The Chinese president reaffirmed that China was treating Pakistani students "as our own" and would spare no effort in ensuring their safety, health and well-being. On bilateral ties, President Xi underscored China's commitment to taking the Pakistan-China economic partnership to a new level and stressed that the CPEC would continue to be its strongest centerpiece.

Both leaders shared their resolve to continue to have communication and exchanges at the highest level to strengthen Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and to build closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era.-PR