Cyril Ramaphosa requests medical and essential supplies from China’s Xi Jinping in combating COVID-19

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa provided feedback on his discussion with China’s President Xi Jinping, stating that he has asked for China’s assistance in combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Africa.

In a Twitter thread on Wednesday, 8 April 2020, President Ramaphosa revealed that he had a lengthy discussion with President Xi Jinping, in which he congratulated China on its  reduction of COVID-19 cases in the country. He stated, “Today I had a productive phone call with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. I congratulated China for the excellent work they have done to reduce the rate of COVID-19 infections.” The president went on to state that he had appealed to Xi Jinping to assist South Africa, and Africa at large, in efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

President Ramaphosa has prioritised maintaining relationships with foreign delegates throughout the pandemic, and has shared his unwavering support for the World Health Organisation (WHO). In another tweet, he commented on the United State of America’s hostility towards WHO, stating, “The most potent weapon against COVID-19 and its devastating health, social & economic impact is international cooperation & solidarity, which is why the exceptional leadership displayed daily by WHO and Dr Tedros during an unprecedented global public health crisis is incalculable.”

See the posts below.

Today I had a productive phone call with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. I congratulated China for the excellent work they have done to reduce the rate of #COVID19 infections. pic.twitter.com/oNnCPry1Sh

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2020

I asked President Xi to continue to support our efforts to fight #COVID19 in South Africa and the rest of Africa by providing medical and other essential supplies.

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2020

The most potent weapon against #COVID19 and its devastating health, social & economic impact is international cooperation & solidarity, which is why the exceptional leadership displayed daily by @WHO & @DrTedros during an unprecedented global public health crisis is incalculable https://t.co/fbN5v4tnqd

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2020

Sayushka Naidoo
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