The profound friendship between the people of China and Malaysia is unshakeable, although the novel coronavirus epidemic has temporarily affected the normal personnel exchanges between the two countries, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday evening.

Xi made the remarks in a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, whom Xi describes as "the old friend of the Chinese people".

Mahathir's invitation for a phone call at such a critical period when the Chinese people are fighting against the contagion shows Malaysia's friendly feelings and support for the Chinese side, Xi said.

While the two countries are joining hands to deal with the epidemic challenge, Xi called on the two sides to continue to deepen bilateral ties, especially the cooperation of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative to produce more outcomes that benefit both countries and their people.