Premier Li Keqiang met with the newly-elected director-general of the World Health Organization in Beijing on Aug 18.

Premier Li congratulated Tedros Adhanom, pointing out that, as the first ever director-general of WHO from Africa, his appointment was of great importance to the improvement of medical and healthcare in developing countries.

As global health issues are a common challenge that concern the well-being of all mankind, the Chinese government values the important role of the WHO in coordinating global health affairs and promoting the development of the healthcare sector, the Premier said.

“China will continue to actively support the WHO, while strengthening cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative and other aspects,” he said.

The Healthy China plan will continue to be implemented, with efforts to continue reforms to the medical and healthcare system, while basic public medical and health services will be provided to all people, according to the Premier.

“We will accelerate the establishment of basic medical and healthcare systems covering all urban and rural residents, and I hope the WHO will continue its supports of China,” he said.

Tedros spoke highly of China’s healthcare reform, adding that countries around the world can learn from its experiences.

The WHO appreciates the Chinese government’s contribution to the development of global healthcare and in coping with emergencies such as the Ebola outbreak and H1N1 virus, the director-general said.

He also expressed his hope that both sides can make joint efforts to elevate their strategic cooperation to a higher level.