HONG KONG, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening co-operation and exchanges in health and medical areas between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was signed here Friday.

    The MOU was signed by visiting Chinese Minister of Health Gao Qiang and Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food of the HKSAR government York Chow.

    Under the MOU, the two sides agreed to foster co-operation in various areas including strengthening the flow of health and medical information as well as the notification and contingency co-operation system on infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.

    In addition, the two sides would encourage medical and health professional groups and relevant institutions in the mainland and Hong Kong to share experience through seminars and training programs.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chow said that close co-operation between the health authorities of the mainland and Hong Kong was vital in meeting the numerous new challenges in public health.

    "The signing of the MOU today marks a major milestone in public health development and medical co-operation between the Ministry of Health and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau of the HKSAR government," he said.