Cooperation with China is key to Cambodia's health development: Health Minister

PHNOM PENH -- Health cooperation between Cambodia and China is key to the long-term development of health sector in the Southeast Asian country, Cambodian health minister Mam Bunheng has told Xinhua in an interview.

"Our bilateral cooperation is a comprehensive approach with a very clear action plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two countries," he said on Saturday.

He said China is "most supportive" of Cambodia's national strategic development plan and health strategic plan.

"This cooperation demonstrates the long-term historical relationship, friendship and solidarity between the two countries and peoples," Bunheng said.

According to the minister, a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in medical treatment and public health have been signed between the two countries in recent years, focusing on technical cooperation, human resources development for health professionals, malaria treatment, and traditional medicine research.

Besides, China has funded the construction of hospital buildings across Cambodia and donated a variety of medical equipment and supplies, he added.

One of the China's remarkable donations was the provision of 200 sets of ambulances and 200 sets of ultrasound machines to Cambodia last year, said Bunheng.

"The pieces of equipment have been used effectively to serve the Cambodian people, especially those living in remote areas," he said.

The minister said Cambodia was very satisfied with good cooperation in health sector between the two countries and expressed his sincere thanks to China for having provided support based on the needs of Cambodia.