ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 22 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday hailed China's important role in the fight against the Ebola outbreak, calling it "exemplary" for the international community.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan made the remarks during her talks with visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Chan said that the fight against Ebola still faces huge challenges and she called on the international community and the virus-hit countries to work together to tackle it. She added that the WHO stands ready to cooperate closely with China, raise the level of awareness and coordinate all sides to achieve the final victory.

Li, calling Ebola outbreak one of the major challenges the world has been facing since last year, said that Chinese people empathize with the people in the Ebola-hit areas.

China has carried out its largest aid program in health area since the Ebola outbreak, providing several rounds of financial aids to Africa, sending hundreds of medical personnel and public health experts over there and training local medical workers on the continent, he said.

Li said that China will perform its duty as a major developing country and continue to do everything in its power to help the Ebola-hit countries along with the international community.

China will also help African countries to develop its health safety system so that they could adapt to the post-Ebola era, he said. The premier added that Beijing highly values the sound cooperation with the WHO and will continue to provide support.

Premier Li arrived here Tuesday to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos and pay a working visit to Switzerland.