Cui Li, vice-minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), met with Eric Ulloa, Panama's deputy minister of health, in Beijing on Aug 20.

Cui noted that the relationship between China and Panama has reached a new stage since they established diplomatic relations. She said that health care, an important part of the two countries’ cooperation, has broad prospects, and described the development of China’s health sector and the latest progress of medical and health care reform. Cui also shared China’s experience in universal health coverage with her counterpart.

Ulloa spoke highly of China’s achievements in universal health coverage. The Panamanian official expected that Panama could have further cooperation with China in health promotion, maternal and children health care, medical research and tobacco control, contributing to the well-being of both countries’ people.

The two sides agreed to sign an MOU on health cooperation as soon as possible to build a mutually beneficial partnership in the medical and health care sector.

Other NHC officials also attended the meeting.