China will continue to provide assistance within its capabilities to Iran in curbing the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic and treating the sick, a senior official said on Friday.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

China has already donated a batch of nucleic acid detection kits and medical supplies to Iran, Wang said, adding that the Chinese people are ready to stand with the Iranian people to overcome the difficulties together.

Noting the epidemic in Iran is worsening, Wang said that China expresses sympathy with Iran and its condolences to the victims of the epidemic, and wishes early recovery of all the infected patients.

When the disease broke out in China, Iran was the first country to extend its sympathy, according to Wang.

He noted that with its real actions, Iran has demonstrated the meaning of real friendship and strong solidarity between the two countries and peoples, and China will never forget it.

Wang added that he believes Iran will win the battle against the epidemic.

Zarif said that Iran admires the positive results that China has achieved in fighting the epidemic and thanks China for its medical supplies and technical support.

Iran stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and learn from its experience in fighting the virus, he said.