
ISTANBUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkey stands united with the Chinese people and government in its fight against the novel coronavirus, the mayor of Istanbul said Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Ekrem Imamoglu said the Turkish people have been following China's ardent efforts to save lives and prevent the virus from spreading, saying the Chinese authorities have acted with "great speed" and "tremendous devotion."
"We are two societies having hundreds or even thousands of years of ties," he said, noting Istanbul and China's biggest city of Shanghai are sister cities and marked the 30th anniversary of their relationship last year.
"In these troubled days, we share their pains, and we believe that they will overcome this in the shortest time possible," he said.
Speaking of Chinese residents and tourists in Istanbul, Imamoglu said he empathizes with their worries about their loved ones in China.
"I want them to know that we stand by them," he said, calling Istanbul a friendly and tolerant city.
Imamoglu said due to the changing nature of the world, similar health problems might appear in different regions at different times.
"A problem in China today could occur on a different continent tomorrow," he said, urging the world to act in an integrated manner and countries to support each other.
Imamoglu called on the international community to act in solidarity with China.
He earlier instructed municipal officials to better serve Chinese tourists in Istanbul.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses