BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday held separate phone conversations on the fight against COVID-19 with his Portugese and Luxembourg counterparts, Augusto Santos Silva and Jean Asselborn, at their request.

COVID-19 is rapidly spreading in Europe and the situation is grim, said Wang, adding that the Chinese side identifies with the feelings of the people in Portugal and Luxembourg and extends its deep sympathies to them.

"As strategic partners, we've always had the great tradition of mutual support," Wang said, expressing his gratitude to the two countries for their support for China's fight against the epidemic.

Though China's demand for medical supplies remains large, especially to prevent a resurgence of the outbreak, China is willing to provide maximum support for both countries within its capacity and actively assist their procurement of medical supplies and equipment in China, he said.

China also supports Chinese experts to share their COVID-19 prevention and control experience with their Portugese and Luxembourg counterparts via video links, Wang added.

Wang expressed the hope that Portugal and Luxembourg will effectively safeguard the health, safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, including those studying on their soil, and provide medical care for them.

He believed that political mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two sides will be further enhanced in the fight against COVID-19.

Silva congratulated China on the important progress it has made in the fight against the outbreak, noting that Portugal is willing to deepen cooperation with China to jointly combat the epidemic.

The outbreak in China has been effectively controlled, and Chinese medical goods and equipment are very important for Europe's fight against the epidemic, said Silva.

The Portuguese side hopes that China will continue to support and facilitate its purchase of medical goods, Silva said, adding that the Portuguese side will do its utmost to ensure the health and safety of Chinese citizens and students in Portugal.

For his part, Asselborn said the spread of COVID-19 has become a global challenge and needs to be addressed through enhanced international cooperation.

He said that Luxembourg supports China's anti-epidemic measures and efforts, and congratulates China on its effective fight.

Luxembourg thanks China for providing medical supplies and experience in fighting against the COVID-19, and hopes to continue to receive China's support in the procurement and transportation of equipment, he added.