China will overcome difficulties and provide Italy with medical supplies including face masks and increase exports of supplies and equipment to meet its urgent needs, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

In a telephone conversation with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Wang noted that China would like to send medical teams to Italy to help combat the novel coronavirus according to its needs.

Chinese cities and provinces which enjoy sisterly ties with their Italian peers, as well as Chinese enterprises, have pledged to offer a helping hand.

Wang said he believes the joint battle against the virus will deepen relations between China and Italy, and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

China will not forget the support from Italy when the country was at its hardest moment in the fight against the virus, Wang said, adding that China is now willing to stand firmly with the Italian people as well.

China appreciates that Italy has paid high attention to the health and safety of Chinese nationals in Italy, and hopes the country will continue to offer them necessary help and assistance, he added.

China has made donations to the World Health Organization to support international cooperation on the COVID-19 fight, Wang said, adding that it is also offering help within its capacity to countries that are facing severe epidemic situations or in poor medical conditions.

Noting Italy is facing a severe epidemic situation, Di Maio said the Italian government is paying close attention to and learning from China's successful experience in combating the virus, and is taking strong measures to contain the spread of the disease.

The overseas Chinese living in Italy have played an active role in the fight against the epidemic, he said, adding that Italy will continue to take full care of their health and safety.