Cui Li, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, attended a reception in Geneva on June 22 in recognition of Margaret Chan as she leaves her post as director-general of the UN World Health Organization.

Cui gave a high appraisal of Chan's achievements during her ten years in office, which included strengthening of WHO's emergency response system, carrying out WHO's reform and integrating national health coverage into the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Cui said she expected that Chan will continue enthusiastically devoting her experience and wisdom to the health and well-being of the people of the world. 

Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese ambassador to the permanent missions in Geneva, said in his speech that Chan, as a Hong Kong citizen, was elected as director-general of WHO and successfully completed her term of office. In January, President Xi Jinping visited WHO and lauded Chan's achievements, hoping she will continue to contribute to global health. 

Chan expressed her gratitude for the Chinese government's support. She noted that the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy had given her the chance to run in the election and successfully lead WHO in service for all people.

Newly-elected WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also spoke highly of Chan's achievements during her tenure of office. He promised to advance WHO's key projects and strengthen its cooperation with the Chinese government.