Sudanese and Chinese Ministries of Health on Wednesday agreed to enhance cooperation between them in the health fields, and to study a memo of understanding to be signed by the two sides later in Beijing.

"We are working to enhance the longstanding relation between us and enhance our joint health cooperation, particularly in fields of training, rare medical specialization, pharmaceutical manufacturing and visits exchange," said Sudanese Minister of Health, Dr. Tabitha Boutros Shukaya when addressing a joint talks in Khartoum Wednesday with her visiting Chinese counterpart Chen Zhu.

The Sudanese minister appreciated the Sino-Sudanese relations and affirmed the importance of enhancing the cooperation between the two countries' health ministries, especially in domains of research, medical education and disease control.

The Chinese minister, for his part, addressing the talks session, said that the health cooperation between the two countries was a fruit of the distinguished and historical relations between China and Sudan.

"During the past years, the two countries' relations have witnessed considerable development and the mutual political trust between the two sides has increased," said Chen.

"China and Sudan maintain strategic relations and common interests, and Sudan has provided important support for China in all essential issues. The Sudanese ministry of health has kept on giving strong support to China at the World Health Organization ( WHO) and other international forums," he added.

The Chinese minister further vowed to continue supporting Sudan in the health field through sending more Chinese medical cadres, establishment of medical institutions, increasing training opportunities and exchange of visits.

A number of Chinese medical experts are working in Sudanese hospitals, in particular the Friendship Hospital in Omdurman and Abu Ushar Hospital in Gezira State.

Since 1971, China has sent around 29 health missions to Sudan, comprising about 768 members.