Equatorial Guinea President, ,Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo

President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has announced that his country will donate $2m (£1.5m) to aid  China battle the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday and is intended as a show of “support and solidarity” to one of Equatorial Guinea’s key trading partners.

Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons said about the gesture: “China has always been a very strong and loyal supporter of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and this contribution is a demonstration that Equatorial Guinea stands in solidarity with China and its people as it fights a global outbreak that has already cost too many lives.”

“Our ongoing Year of Investment Initiative will be a testimony to the depth of our cooperation and relationship with China. It is a pleasure for Equatorial Guinea to support its partner in times of need,” he added.

China has been the worst hit country in the coronavirus outbreak since it started in Wuhan. A total of 722 people have been killed.

China has significant investments across the oil-rich Equatorial Guinea ranging from the areas of telecommunication, public sector infrastructure to technology.