Iran Offers to Help China in Containing Coronavirus
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Unlike the US that has rejoiced at the outbreak of a coronavirus epidemic in China, the Islamic Republic is ready to give the Chinese government whatever assistance necessary in the fight against the disease, the spokesperson for Iran’s administration said.
Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Ali Rabiee expressed confidence that the Chinese government and nation will successfully combat the threat of the new coronavirus.
Highlighting China’s experience in the war on similar diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Iranian spokesman said all countries should join hands to contain the new virus.
“Unlike the US government that has expressed delight at such a situation (outbreak of coronavirus in China) and described it as an opportunity for the US government’s economic profiteering like a virus and death merchant, the Iranian government and nation are standing with the Chinese nation and government on this path (fighting against the coronavirus outbreak),” he said, adding, “We will express sympathy and work in serious cooperation (with China) over such a crisis.”
Rabiee voiced Iran’s readiness to provide any help to China in the battle against the coronavirus, stressing that the administration’s main priority is protecting the lives of Iranian citizens.
The death toll in China from the deadly coronavirus outbreak that originated in the central city of Wuhan, rose to at least 361 on Monday, as the Philippines became the first country outside China to confirm a death from the infection.
The total number of people infected with the virus rose to 17,205 across the country, after 2,829 new cases were reported.
Other countries have rushed to evacuate their citizens from Hubei province and its capital city, Wuhan, while many have also imposed extraordinary travel restrictions on travelers to and from China.