Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Briefs Head of the Foreign Diplomatic Mission and Other Diplomats on Latest SARS Developments (21/04/2003)

2004-03-09 13:48

On April 21, 2003, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with Eleih-Elle Etian, head of the foreign diplomatic mission and Cameroon Ambassador to China, and other foreign diplomats, briefing them on the latest situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China and on the preventive measures adopted by the government.

Li said President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders went to the front lines in person for several times, directing the preventive job of SARS. They have always given top priority to the health and safety of foreigners working, living and traveling in China, same as to the Chinese people.

Li said in line with the instructions of the Chinese government and leaders, the Foreign Ministry had adopted a series of measures to protect foreigners in China from SARS. These measures included delivering brochures about SARS to foreign agencies, briefing them on SARS situation and preventive measures, and asking relevant departments to designate hospitals for foreigners and set up hotlines, including one specially for all foreign diplomats in Beijing. The ministry also required all local foreign affairs offices to cooperate with the relevant departments and well prepare for SARS prevention work among foreigners. In Beijing, the Service Bureau for Foreign Diplomats had undertaken the task to completely sterilize the embassy areas and the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse has also strengthened the sanitation and sterilization work in the residences of foreign guests.

On behalf of all foreign diplomats in China, Etian expressed his appreciation for Li's briefing on the latest SARS situation and spoke highly of the preventive measures adopted by the Chinese government. He said all countries were willing to join with China to combat SARS.