Li Bin, minister of the NHFPC, attended the seventh Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing on Nov 23 and delivered a keynote speech. Moon Hyung-pyo, minister of the ROK Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Japanese Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, led delegations to the meeting. More than 70 people from the health departments of China, the ROK and Japan, as well as experts, were present.

The meeting reviewed achievements in health cooperation among the three countries. They exchanged methods and experiences in prevention and control of new and recurrent infectious disease, Ebola and chronic disease, and universal health coverage. Participants discussed cooperation in the above-mentioned sectors. Joint declarations of the meeting and Ebola preparation and response were approved at the meeting.

Li Bin stressed that it’s of great significance for China, the ROK and Japan to strengthen cooperation in new and recurrent infectious and chronic disease prevention and control, as well as universal health coverage, with globalization advancement and social development. She pointed out that China, the ROK and Japan have enjoyed profound cooperation in the field of health and should conduct joint exploration and innovation. Li put forward three proposals. First, the three countries should continue to deepen cooperation in traditional fields, and jointly guard against public health security threats. Second, they should steadily broaden cooperation fields and develop cooperation resources through various channels. Third, they should make full use of the tripartite health cooperation mechanism, strengthen coordination in other multilateral mechanisms, and contribute to improving people's health and well-being. Li’s proposals received a positive response from Japan and the ROK.

In addition, health ministers of the three countries attended the opening ceremony of a tripartite healthy aging society forum and delivered speeches. Representatives conducted exchange and discussion about boosting pension service development policy and practice, as well as coping with aging challenges in the health system.

The Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting mechanism was established in 2006, and the three countries will take turns to host the meeting.