China has shouldered the international obligations of a responsible country in epidemic control, and has developed joint cooperation with the international community in an open, transparent, scientific and coordinative manner, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remarks in a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Both talked about China’s efforts to prevent and control the novel coronavirus-related pneumonia, which has claimed 81 lives throughout the country by 6 pm Monday.

The outbreak of the contagion demonstrated again that in a globalized era, countries need to go through thick and thin together for a better future, Wang said, adding that strengthening international health cooperation is one of the important agendas of global governance.

Saying China has put a top priority on the lives and health of both the Chinese people and foreigners in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, which is the epicenter of the outbreak, Wang states that the country will take effective measures to address their legitimate concerns in a timely manner.

China stands ready to work along with other countries, including France, to make every effort to protect the lives and health of Chinese and foreign people, he said.

Le Drian said France highly appreciates the Chinese government taking active and powerful measures to deal with the disease and staying committed to curb the spread of the contagion.

The French foreign minister paid tribute to China for its determination and courage to fight against the epidemic, and said France is willing to provide all the necessary assistance to China as long as it needs.