BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China will do its best to provide support and assistance to help Spain combat the COVID-19 epidemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday evening.

Pointing out the recent intensifying and spreading trend of the epidemic in Spain, Xi extended sincere sympathies to the Spanish government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

Xi stressed that through the hard work of the whole country, China's prevention and control measures have achieved positive results, and China has come out of the most difficult and arduous stage.

Noting that the epidemic is now breaking out in many countries and places, Xi said that China is willing to carry out international cooperation with other countries and provide assistance within its capacity.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"] An aircraft carrying medical aid from China to help Spain combat the COVID-19 arrives at Zaragoza airport in northern Spain on March 17, 2020. (Photo by Qiu Yijing/Xinhua)[/caption]

He expressed hope that the international community will work together to turn the crisis into an opportunity, and withstand the impact of the epidemic with concrete actions of openness and cooperation, so as to jointly safeguard international health security.

Xi stressed that China supports the measures taken by the Spanish government to fight the epidemic, understands the severe situation Spain is facing, and is ready to meet Spain's urgent needs by doing its utmost to provide support and assistance, and share its experience in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment, so as to contribute to the health and well-beings of the two peoples as well as the global public health security.

After the epidemic, the two sides should step up exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of fields, Xi said, adding that China is willing to continue to expand imports of high-quality and featured products from Spain.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"] A woman wearing a face mask walks in the street of Barcelona, Spain, March 14, 2020. (Photo by Zhou Zhe/Xinhua)[/caption]

"Sunshine always comes after the rain," Xi said, expressing belief that the friendship between China and Spain will be stronger and the bilateral ties will have a brighter future after the test of jointly fighting the epidemic.

For his part, Sanchez said that Spain and China have always been supporting and helping each other, which has been fully embodied in their joint efforts to combat the epidemic.

Noting that the current epidemic situation in Spain is severe, Sanchez said the Spanish people are deeply grateful for China's timely offering of urgently-needed medical supplies, which has fully demonstrated China's friendly feelings towards the Spanish people.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"] A cathedral is closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Barcelona, Spain, March 14, 2020. (Photo by Zhou Zhe/Xinhua)[/caption]

The Spanish government will do its utmost to protect the health and safety of Chinese citizens residing in Spain, the prime minister said.

The epidemic is a common challenge facing the international community, and countries should work together to tackle it, he said, adding that Spain appreciates China's openness in promoting international cooperation and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields.

He also expressed belief that after the epidemic, the Spain-China ties will further develop, and wished the great Chinese people healthy and safe.  ■