Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Thursday stressed the importance of international cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and restoring economy to ensure victory over the epidemic.

The international community is now facing the dual challenges of containing the spread of the virus and restoring economy and social order, Li told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual national legislative session.

Noting that these two aspects are contradictory to each other, Li said it entails efforts, especially international cooperation, to strike a balance between the two conflicting goals and explore ways forward during the process.

He said China is open to international cooperation on the research and development of vaccines, medicines and testing reagents for COVID-19, and is willing to share the deliverables with the world.