Ban Ki-moon expressed support for China in a recorded video released Thursday. The former Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed confidence in China’s ability to contain the disease.

He called for consolidation and joint efforts from the international community amid the spread of the disease.

“I firmly believe that the Chinese value of life and their wisdom, accumulated for the past 5000 years will enable China to overcome this epidemic,” Moon said.

Moon also sent his condolences to those killed and affected by the virus.

“My heart goes out to friends in China who are suffering under the shadow of the novel coronavirus,” Moon said.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has surpassed 28,000.