The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, had a phone call on 3 April with the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, to discuss the fight against the coronavirus and the bilateral EU-China agenda.
High Representative Borrell stressed that, in the face of a global pandemic, international solidarity and cooperation are essential. He expressed the European Union’s appreciation for China’s support, which comes at a difficult time. High Representative Borrell and State Councillor Wang Yi also agreed that the coronavirus poses a significant challenge to developing countries, particularly the least developed and those affected by conflict, and agreed to cooperate to help Africa tackle the crisis.
The High Representative and the State Councillor discussed preparations for taking forward the EU-China bilateral agenda in 2020. They agreed that High Representative Borrell would travel to Beijing for the EU-China Strategic Dialogue once travel restrictions begin to ease, and high-level political contacts are able to resume, later in the year.
Josep Borrell and Wang Yi agreed to remain in close touch on all relevant issues