Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is ready to work with France to enhance the central role of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation in improving global public health governance and building a common health community for humanity.

Xi made these statements in a recent message of solidarity sent to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in which he expressed his full solidarity on behalf of the Chinese government and people with his French counterparts over the outbreak of COVID-19 in the European country.

China and France have a good tradition of helping each other through thick and thin in bilateral relations, said Xi, who thanked the French government and society for their support and solidarity with China in its battle against the new coronavirus disease.

Noting that public health security is a common challenge facing humanity, Xi said the Chinese government and people strongly support France's efforts against the COVID-19 epidemic, and are ready to boost cooperation with France and win the battle together through mutual support and assistance.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France share the important responsibility of safeguarding the life and health of the entire human race, Xi stressed.

He added that China is ready to make concerted efforts with France to improve international cooperation in the prevention and control of epidemics, support the United Nations and the World Health Organization in their central role in improving global public health governance, and build a common health community for humanity.

Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of ties between China and France, and is prepared to work with Macron to properly coordinate all aspects of work related to epidemic control and bilateral relations, to ensure that the comprehensive China-France strategic partnership stands the test of COVID-19 and continues to move forward.