Chinese medics will be sent to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso to boost the two countries' battle against the disease, foreign ministry's spokesman Zhao Lijian announced on Wednesday.

Invited by the Ethiopian government, a 12-member Chinese medical team departed from southwest China's Chengdu City on Thursday, to help the northeast African country fight the COVID-19 epidemic.

Members of the team are from key hospitals of Sichuan Province, including West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. Among them are experts on respiratory diseases, public health, nursing and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The team is expected to share with Ethiopia anti-epidemic experience, provide guidance and technical advice to the country's medical and health institutions, and enhance its epidemic prevention and control capabilities.

According to China's foreign ministry, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China has provided medical supplies to the African Union and to all African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. Zhao is confident that by working together, the ultimate victory in fighting the pandemic will be achieved.

Zhao said that China and Africa enjoyed strong ties that have stood the test of time. He noted that African countries had supported China during its difficult times in the fight against COVID-19.

The spokesman said China was paying close attention to the situation of the pandemic in Africa, and stood ready to help the continent deal with the disease.

China has provided anti-epidemic materials and aid to the African Union and all African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

"These steps are all a reflection of building an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future," Zhao said.

China will also send a team of medical experts to Saudi Arabia, according to the foreign ministry spokesman.

Zhao said China firmly supports Saudi Arabia's anti-epidemic efforts and was willing to provide assistance within its capability.