Ma Xiaowei, minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), met with Takeju Ogata, president of Nippon Foundation, in Beijing on Sept 30.

Ma congratulated Takeju Ogata for winning this year's Chinese Government Friendship Award. He positively evaluated Takeju Ogata's role played at the Japan-China Sasakawa Medical Fellowship. The Sino-Japanese medical exchanges have a long history, he said, added that the medical fellowship would have significant influence as the further development of Sino-Japanese exchanges. 

Ma said that China and Japan have broad space for cooperation in the field of health, both sides should work together to promote the project and bring more health benefits to the peoples.　　

Takeju Ogata said that the Friendship Award is a great honor for him. He expressed his gratitude for China's support to Sasakawa Medical Fellowship and said he is willing to join in hands with China to promote the development of the project.

Other NHC officials also attended the meeting.