Third Session of the Arab-China Health Cooperation Forum Launches in Cairo with Kuwait's Participation

Cairo -- The third session of the Arab-Chinese Health Cooperation Forum kicked off today, Sunday, at the headquarters of the Arab League Secretariat-General, under the theme “Innovation, Investment, and Impact: Toward a New Phase of Arab-Chinese Cooperation,” with the participation of the State of Kuwait. The Arab League said in a statement that the two-day forum aims to strengthen Arab-Chinese health cooperation, develop partnership mechanisms, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and experiences to support health systems and achieve sustainable health development goals in Arab countries and China. The statement noted that the forum will discuss several priority health issues, foremost among them health security, sharing expertise in preparedness and response to public health emergencies, advancing universal health coverage, and investing in the health workforce through the development of health personnel and institutions. Its sessions will also address digital transformation, artificial intelligence, health technology, and their role in developing healthcare systems, alongside traditional medicine, health industries, and investment in building resilient pharmaceutical and medical supply chains capable of confronting crises and challenges. The forum’s proceedings will feature extensive discussions between the Arab and Chinese sides to exchange views and expertise and explore new opportunities for cooperation and partnership in health areas of mutual interest. For the first time, the Arab-Chinese Exhibition of Medical and Pharmaceutical Supplies and Equipment will be held on the sidelines of the forum at the Arab League Secretariat-General from November 8 to 11, with participation from several Chinese companies and institutions operating in the health sector. The exhibition will enable delegations attending the forum, the 65th Ordinary Session of the Arab Ministers of Health Council, and the Second Arab Conference on the Role of Emigrated Arab Health Professionals in Supporting Health Systems to learn about the latest products, technologies, and innovations in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, and to explore investment and partnership opportunities and exchange expertise. The forum is expected to conclude with the issuance of a joint declaration between the Arab and Chinese sides outlining key directions and a roadmap for cooperation in the coming period, which will be submitted to the Arab Ministers of Health Council at a future session for information on its outcomes. The State of Kuwait is represented at the forum by Dr. Hisham Kalander, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Health Services Affairs at the Ministry of Health. Also participating is Palestinian Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan, who delivered a speech addressing the health situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, alongside senior officials from Arab health ministries, a Chinese delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Health of China, as well as academics, researchers, and representatives of specialized research centers. (End) M.M. / F.L.A.