Lei Haichao, minister of China's National Health Commission, met with Cuban Ambassador to China Alberto Blanco Silva in Beijing on Feb 26. The pair discussed strengthening health exchanges and cooperation.

Lei said that China and Cuba are trustworthy friends, like-minded comrades and brothers who stand together through thick and thin. Cuba's experience in medical professional cultivation and participation in global health development can serve as a useful reference for China, he added.

He said China is willing to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, actively promote cooperation between the health departments of the two countries and continuously deepen practical collaboration in areas such as traditional medicine, medical education, biotechnology and global health to contribute to the building of a global community of health for all.

Speaking highly of Cuba-China relations and their bilateral health cooperation, Alberto Blanco Silva said that the two countries enjoy broad prospects in this field and expressed hope for further exchanges and cooperation with China.