On the evening of 16 June, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Lenín Moreno of Ecuador on the phone.

Xi extended, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, sympathies to Ecuador as COVID-19 continues to spread there. At the height of China's battle with the coronavirus, the Ecuadorian government provided timely assistance in the form of emergency supplies. Likewise, when Ecuador was hit by the virus, the Chinese government, local authorities, enterprises and NGOs swiftly extended a helping hand. Xi commended such mutual assistance and support as a testament to the tradition of friendship enjoyed by the two countries. He expressed China's readiness to firmly support Ecuador's fight against the virus, by providing assistance where it can and exploring cooperation on the research and production of vaccines and drugs. Xi expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Moreno, Ecuador will secure an early victory over COVID-19 and return to the track of sound development. He also called on Ecuador to take care of the Chinese businesses and nationals living and working there.

Xi noted that the ongoing spread of the virus worldwide can only be defeated when all countries work together in solidarity. China will continue to work with other countries to fight COVID-19 and build a global community of health for all. China firmly supports closer macro policy coordination among countries to make the world economy more stable and global governance more effective.

Xi made special mention of Moreno's successful state visit to China in 2018 and the many important common understandings reached on that occasion. Thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, the wide-ranging practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results. Stressing China's commitment to its relations with Ecuador, Xi expressed China's readiness to maintain close communication with Ecuador on how to overcome difficulties caused by COVID-19 and resume and advance practical cooperation. When COVID-19 goes away, the two countries could take their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

Moreno thanked the Chinese government and people for their valuable assistance and support, which he said has played an important role in Ecuador's response to COVID-19. Recognizing China as an important comprehensive strategic partner, Moreno described the bilateral cooperation as friendly and mutually beneficial. He expressed a desire to learn from China's successful experience in fighting COVID-19 and to step up cooperation to help Ecuador overcome its difficulties, defeat the virus and revive the economy. He also expressed readiness to maintain close exchanges with President Xi to take the bilateral ties forward.