The first Chinese medical aid shipment arrived in Syria on Wednesday. (Photo: People's Daily)

Damascus (People's Daily) -- The first Chinese medical aid shipment including 2,000 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits arrived in Syria on Wednesday to help fight the global pandemic.  

A cargo plane carrying the virus detection kits landed at Damascus International Airport and was received by Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and Chinese Ambassador to Syria Feng Biao.

During a ceremony held in honor of shipment, Feng told reporters that China is willing to provide support and assistance to Syria to the best of its abilities, and more Chinese aid will be sent to Syria in batches.

Feng also said that COVID-19 is a common enemy to humankind, and international cooperation is the only way to defeat the virus.

For his part, Mekdad said the aid reflects China’s genuine keenness to help Syria and other countries.

"Syria will learn from China's anti-epidemic experience and make all efforts to keep its people safe against the COVID-19 outbreak," Mekdad added.

(Compiled by Ryan Yaoran Yu)