Vice-Premier Liu Yandong on June 19 met Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka in the southeastern Chinese city of Suzhou, vowing to strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Hailing the important role the Czech Republic plays in the field of health care cooperation between China and central and eastern Europe (CEE) countries, Liu called on the two countries to continue deepening people-to-people exchanges, so as to consolidate public support for bilateral ties.

Sobotka echoed Liu’s comment and said the Czech Republic is willing to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of health care within the framework of China-CEE cooperation, or the “16+1” mechanism.

Sobotka is in Suzhou to attend the second China-CEE health ministers’ forum from June 19 to 20.