[Ambassadors on fighting COVID-19]Colombia: Appreciate China’s determination to help others and contribute actively with a shared solution to the crisis

Luis Diego Monsalve, Colombia's ambassador to China, recently gave a written interview with China.org.cn about the COVID-19 epidemic. He indicated that this virus went beyond borders and nationalities, reminding the world that as humankind, we need to create a concerted response. Monsalve also noted that China has demonstrated how the implementation of successful policies could help to control, contain and stop this epidemic, gaining a priceless experience for the world, and Colombia really appreciated the determination of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to help others and contribute actively with a shared solution to the crisis.

Luis Diego Monsalve,Colombia's ambassador to China

China.org.cn: How do you think the world’s countries should collaborate in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic as it spreads and becomes a common challenge for the international community?

Luis Diego Monsalve: The COVID-19 epidemic is one of the most challenging moments in history, and definitely we need to stand together, and join efforts to combat the virus effectively. It is necessary to share information and knowledge, in order to improve the countries capacities in terms of human resources, health infrastructure, supplies, research, scientific solutions, among others.

This crisis must bring us together, and all the countries should work to prevent, manage and mitigate the situation. In this regard, it’s time to enhance the coordination at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, such as through the WHO, to take common actions. This virus goes beyond borders and nationalities, reminding the world, that as humankind, we need to create a concerted response.

It is clear that this is not just a health crisis. Analyzing the social and economic consequences of the pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge the huge impact in the whole world, which will require medium and long-term efforts focused on the well-being of citizens, not only from national governments but from the multilateral organizations and the entire society.

China.org.cn: China has kept the concept of humanity’s shared future in mind, released information about the COVID-19 in a timely manner, and shared its experiences related to prevention and control, diagnosis, and treatment since the outbreak started. What is your opinion of these kinds of efforts and contributions?

Luis Diego Monsalve: China demonstrated how the implementation of successful policies can help to control, contain and stop this epidemic, gaining a priceless experience for the world. Consequently, it has been showing a high level of responsibility and solidarity with the rest of the world.

For example, it developed a transparent and proactive operation to share all its experience with the WHO and other countries. Not only provided information, documents and briefings to prevent, control and treat the virus, but also donated medical supplies and sent experts to the most affected areas.

In our case, there have been several briefings to inform about the evolution of the situation and the measures taken by China, including a video conference with the main Chinese entities involved, to share with all Latin American countries their experience. Colombia really appreciates the determination of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to help others and contribute actively with a shared solution to the crisis.