On 10 April, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took a phone call from UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Wang pointed out that China and the UAE, as comprehensive strategic partners, always trust, support and help each other. At the most trying moment in China's fight against the outbreak, the UAE expressed sympathies and lent a helping hand. For instance, the Burj Khalifa Tower lit up to show the Chinese national flag and the slogan "Wuhan Jiayou" (meaning "Stay strong, Wuhan") on several occasions. On 4 April, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, tweeted his condolences to the Chinese heroes who had died fighting the outbreak and other lives claimed by the virus. These acts of kindness demonstrate the friendship of the UAE people towards the Chinese people and are deeply appreciated.

Wang noted the serious challenge facing the UAE in the midst of the spreading outbreak across the world. China is ready to do its best to help the UAE battle the virus, like facilitating the purchase and shipment of medical supplies from China and sharing experience on outbreak control. The UAE hosts more Chinese nationals than any other Gulf country in the Middle East. China thanks the UAE for protecting the health and safety of Chinese nationals during the outbreak and hopes that the UAE will continue to provide necessary support and convenience to them.

Wang described the virus as the common enemy of mankind. As the first country to report the outbreak, China has acted in an open, transparent and responsible manner, sharing information and working closely with the international community to contain the virus. This is China's major contribution to slowing down the spread of the virus at the global level. Recently, there have been some despicable attempts to shift the blame on China or stigmatize China. China appreciates the objective and impartial position of the UAE on this issue. True friendship defies a merciless outbreak or any other adversity. China and the UAE will stand shoulder to shoulder and defeat this outbreak together. Wang expressed his belief that the friendship between the two countries would stand the test of the outbreak and emerge even stronger and more enduring.

Abdullah commended China for making a prompt, comprehensive and effective response under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping and winning a significant victory against the outbreak. The fact that China identified the pathogen at an unprecedented speed and immediately shared the sequencing of the virus with the rest of the world demonstrates China's strength in medical technology and its sense of responsibility. China's decisive decision to enforce lockdown to stem the spread of the virus demonstrates the great power of a nation in unity. China's victory in fighting the outbreak once again shows that China is a great country with a civilization running uninterrupted for thousands of years and that the Chinese people are a great nation with an unyielding spirit. China's success has set a standard for other countries and brought hope to people around the world. Were it not for China's effort and contribution, the virus would wreak greater havoc in the world.

Abdullah thanked China for sending supplies and sharing valuable experience to help the UAE counter the outbreak. He expressed confidence that with the strong support from China, the UAE will prevail over the outbreak at an early date and the bilateral relationship will be further cemented and elevated.