(Photo: CGTN)

BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday night that China firmly supports the Polish government and people in combating the COVID-19 epidemic.

He made the remarks in a phone conversation with his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda.

After the coronavirus disease broke out in China, Xi said, the Polish government and society extended sympathies and support to the Chinese side, which the Chinese people will cherish in their hearts.

A friend in need is a friend indeed, he stressed, adding that besides its support for Poland, China has also held a video conference of health experts with 17 Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs), including Poland, to share information and relevant measures on epidemic prevention and control in a timely fashion.

China, he said, upholds the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, and is willing to enhance cooperation with all other countries in fighting the epidemic and safeguarding global public health security.

Stressing that the power and confidence in winning the battle against the epidemic come from the Chinese people, Xi said the 1.4 billion Chinese people have put up a tenacious fight with great solidarity and steadfast resolve.

He added he is deeply moved by the noble spirit of the numerous medical workers in China who risked their own lives to save others.

The people are the real heroes, Xi pointed out, adding that as long as relying fully on the people, China will certainly overcome all difficulties and obstacles and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Noting that Poland is a key cooperation partner of China in the European Union (EU) and among CEECs, Xi said China is willing to work with Poland to strengthen high-level exchanges and cement mutual understanding and strategic mutual trust, so as to continuously push forward China-Poland ties and make important contributions to promoting China-CEEC cooperation and China-EU relations.