Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq (L) and her Chinese counterpart Chen Zhu attend the signing ceremony of a Plan of Action for continued cooperation between the two countries on health priorities of mutual concern in Canadian capital Ottawa on June 18, 2009. [Xinhua]

Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and her Chinese counterpart Chen Zhu on Thursday signed a Plan of Action for continued cooperation between the two countries on health priorities of mutual concern.

The signing ceremony followed discussions among senior Canadian and Chinese health officials and experts on a range of health issues, including strengthening and reform of health-care systems, primary health care and food safety.

"This 2009-2011 Plan of Action is of greater significance at this critical time when both countries are battling against the A/ H1N1 virus and carrying out health care reforms," Chen told Xinhua after the signing ceremony.

It is also "a symbol of the commitment" between Canada and China to continue to cooperate on mutual health issues and challenges to ensure the better health of the future generations, he said.

"Canada and China have a lot to offer each other in terms of research, regulations and expertise on health-related issues," said Aglukkaq. "The continued sharing of knowledge and insights in priority areas will contribute to the improved health and safety of citizens in both countries."

Canada and China are already cooperating on a number of health- related fronts, including regulation of health products and medical research.

The document signed on Thursday builds on the 2005 to 2008 Plan of Action which promoted cooperation between Canada and China in several areas, including the timely sharing of information on emerging infectious diseases, such as the H1N1 influenza virus, and a better understanding of regulatory frameworks in the area of therapeutic products and Natural Health Products, including Traditional Chinese Medicines, to help ensure the safety and quality of these products.

The new Plan of Action also advances the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding relating to health cooperation, and the abilities of Canada and China to further protect and promote health in their respective countries.

The ministers also discussed their support for ongoing educational collaboration, including the Canada-China Norman Bethune Research Scholarships programs, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. These activities help young Canadian and Chinese researchers work together on health issues affecting people in both countries. The Norman Bethune program allows Chinese students to pursue graduate studies with health researchers in Canada.

Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq (2nd L) and her Chinese counterpart Chen Zhu (2nd R) sign a Plan of Action for continued cooperation between the two countries on health priorities of mutual concern in Canadian capital Ottawa on June 18, 2009. [Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2009)