Putin and XI Jinping spoke out against accusations of concealing China epidemic

Moscow. April 16. INTERFAX.RU — a telephone conversation of Russian President Vladimir Putin with President of China XI Jinping, according to press service of the Kremlin.

“the Russian side gave a high assessment of consistent and effective action by the Chinese partners, which allowed to stabilize the epidemiological situation in the country. Stressed the counter-productivity of attempts to blame China delayed informing the world community about the emergence of dangerous infections,” — said in the message.

the Sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, in particular the exchange of experts, supply of medical equipment, medicines and remedies. Mutual support in the fight against the global threat is further convincing evidence of the special nature Russian-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership, said the Kremlin.

the two leaders expressed confidence that by continuing to work closely with each other, Russia and China can successfully overcome associated with the pandemic challenges.

Previously the former head of British intelligence Mi6 John Sawers accused the Chinese authorities that they hid information about the coronavirus COVID-19 in the initial stages of the epidemic. Similar accusations were made by the Pentagon chief mark Esper.

the spread of the coronavirus worldwide began with the outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan in November-December 2019.