In a phone call on Wednesday (Mar. 11), Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told his Italian counterpart that China is ready to offer medical aid to Italy to help its fight against Covid-19.

Italy facing severe shortage of medical supplies

According to Chinese state media CGTN, Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said that his country is currently facing a severe shortage of medical supplies.

He added that Italy was keen to receive help from the Chinese after learning from their experience against Covid-19.

China willing to help Italy

In response, Wang stated that China is willing to offer Italy the help it needs.

This is despite China's own requirements for a large amount of medical materials for its own battle against Covid-19, according to The Straits Times.

Wang said that the Chinese government and enterprises are ready to provide medical supplies, send professionals and increase medical exports to Italy.

He added that the Chinese people have not forgotten Italy's support when China was struggling with the epidemic.

Wang believes that this move will help deepen bilateral relations between China and Italy, and enhance the friendship between the two countries.

As of Mar. 11, 2020, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Italy has skyrocketed to 10,139, with a total of 631 fatalities.

Italian health minister praised China

In a previous report by CGTN, Italy's deputy health minister Pierpaolo Sileri had also praised China's response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

He added that the information China has shared with the world will be helpful to Italy.

Noting that China has maintained a relatively low mortality rate, Sileri also appreciated the transparency of information shared by China as other countries can now get quick access to disease information.

Top image by Ivan Romano via Getty Images.