Li Bin, minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, met with Juan Luis Manzur, Argentina's health minister in Beijing, on August 28. Both sides exchanged opinions on strengthening the cooperation of the two countries’ health and medical science sectors.

Li Bin said that China’s President Xi Jinping visited Argentina last month, reaching a consensus on developing the two nations’ relationship in comprehensive strategic partnership. The health departments of the two countries will carry out a consensus and strengthen cooperation in the health sector. Li noted that China attaches great importance to cooperation with Argentina in the health sector. China and Argentina signed the Framework Agreement on the Cooperation in Health and Medical Science Sector and the Execution Plan of the Cooperation of Health Sector in 2013-2016. The two countries also decided to set up a health and medical science committee. The meeting held on August 28 served as the first conference of the committee. Li hoped that both sides would further push forward cooperation in health and medical science sectors. She also introduced the improvement of China’s health sector and healthcare reform.

According to Juan Luis Manzur, it has historical meaning that Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Argentina and both sides established a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries will deepen cooperation in all fields, especially in the health sector, which is related to people’s health and happiness. Although the two nations are far apart from each other, they face many similar challenges. Argentina will learn from China, Manzur said. He highly praised the achievements of China’s health and medical sectors. He also expressed the willingness to further push forward the two countries’ cooperation in disease prevention and control, medical research and professional training.

After the meeting, both sides signed the Working Rule of China and Argentina Health and Medical Science Cooperative Committee.

The Argentina ambassador to China – as well as relevant people from the NHFPC’S departments of personnel; health science, technology and education; international cooperation; and bureau of medical administration – attended the meeting.

Manzur was invited by the NHFPC to visit China from August 24-31, during which he also visited the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Shanghai.