LISBON — Saudi Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel met with several Portuguese officials, including his counterpart, during an official visit to Portugal aimed at strengthening health cooperation and expanding partnerships between the two countries.
Al-Jalajel met with Portuguese Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins, with the two sides discussing ways to strengthen health cooperation, exchange expertise and leading experiences, and develop partnerships in healthcare, innovation and health transformation.
The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding between their ministries to strengthen the health partnership, develop frameworks for joint cooperation, and exchange knowledge and expertise in priority areas, including healthcare, innovation and digital health.
The agreement aims to contribute to the development of health services and enhance their efficiency and sustainability in both countries.
Al-Jalajel also met with Adalberto Campos Fernandes, adviser to the President of Portugal, who is overseeing the preparation of the Strategic Health Pact and is a former health minister.
The two sides discussed the countries’ experiences in health transformation, strategic frameworks for developing health systems, promoting population health and prevention, as well as exchanging expertise on health issues of mutual interest.
The health minister also met with Portuguese Minister for State Reform Gonçalo Matias to discuss opportunities to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in institutional transformation and performance efficiency in the health sector, as well as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation.
The two sides also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s experience in health transformation and the progress it has achieved, which strengthens the Kingdom’s presence and role in developing the future of health globally.
Saudi Ambassador to Portugal Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Yousef attended Al-Jalajel’s meetings with Campos Fernandes and Matias.
As part of the visit, Al-Jalajel also toured Santa Maria University Hospital and the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, where he reviewed leading practices and experiences in healthcare and medical and molecular research, as well as the technologies and innovative solutions they employ.
During the visits, areas of cooperation and the exchange of expertise in developing health services and supporting health research and innovation were also discussed.
The visit comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen international health cooperation, expand partnerships in health priorities of mutual interest, exchange expertise and leading experiences, and explore opportunities to develop partnerships in healthcare and health innovation.
Source: Saudi Gazette