China´s Health Minister: China hopes to enhance communication, co-op with ASEAN on flu-fighting

Source: Xinhua | 05-08-2009 08:14

BANGKOK, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China highly values the cooperation between itself and ASEAN countries in tackling the potential pandemic of influenza A/H1N1, hoping to enhance their joint efforts in public health measures, flu diagnosis and treatment and scientific research, Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu told Xinhua on Thursday in Bangkok.

Chen made this remark as he and his Thai counterpart Witthaya Kaewparadai finished the bilateral talk on Thursday morning, during which they exchanged the updates about each countries' measures and progress on tackling the threat of A/H1N1 influenza virus.

Mentioning the ASEAN+3 health ministers' special meeting on influenza A/H1N1 that is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in the Thai capital, Chen said the meeting is timely since the global effort of influenza A/H1N1 control and prevention is at such a juncture.

A joint statement on influenza A/H1N1 issue will be signed on Friday's session by the participating health ministers from the ASEAN and three dialogue partners -- China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Chen said this statement will underline the resolution of the 13 countries to cooperate to deal with the threat of the new flu variant.