Malaysia and China will develop a closer relationship and enhance efforts to address the coronavirus (Covid-19) infection.

The Foreign Ministry said that the Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had a telephone interview with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday.

During the half-hour conversation, the two leaders expressed their commitment to a joint alliance with ASEAN and China to ensure that the situation continued.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was always supportive of China and confident of the country's efforts in dealing with Covid-19.

“China values ??Malaysia's position on the issue and assures them that they have the power to control the outbreak.

"They have also pledged to protect all Malaysians and other countries there," the statement said.

To date, Covid-19 has claimed nearly 1,500 lives with 1,483 cases occurring in China.