BISHKEK - The Chinese medical team, who arrived in Kyrgyzstan on April 20, has made important contributions to the host country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, Vice Prime Minister Aida Ismailova said on Sunday.

At an awarding ceremony, Ismailova expressed her gratitude to the Chinese medical group on behalf of the Kyrgyz government.

She spoke highly of the rigorous attitude and extraordinary professional work of the Chinese experts, who have conducted in-depth and detailed experience sharing with the Kyrgyz professionals through visits to medical institutions and online exchanges.

Health Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sabirzhan Abdikarimov awarded the Chinese medical team medals and certificates of honor at the ceremony, which was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen, deputy chief of the President's Office Almaz Kenenbaev and local medical experts.

Du said the Chinese medical team has played a unique and important role in deepening anti-epidemic cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan and consolidating Chinese-Kyrgyz friendship.

The ambassador noted that the two sides should further deepen cooperation on the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" for the benefit of the two peoples.

The ten-member team from western China's Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region includes six medical experts specializing in disease prevention and control, traditional Chinese medicine and respiratory medicine. It will leave on Monday.