BEIJING — China will further strengthen cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries in sci-tech innovation to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, a senior Chinese official said at a recent sci-tech forum.

Amid the epidemic, the two sides have worked hand in hand in COVID-19 drugs, vaccine and test-kit development, Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, said at the second China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) forum of science, technology and innovation.

Wang said that, in recent years, China's sci-tech level and innovation capability have improved significantly, and the country has made important contributions to the global fight against the epidemic based on its achievements in scientific research.

China and the CELAC should strengthen exchanges and cooperation, while developing new models and docking strategies, building platforms and strengthening communication, Wang said.

Sci-tech innovation cooperation has played an important role in the development of relations between the CELAC and China, Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at the video conference.

The conference participants expressed gratitude to China for its help and support amid the epidemic.

They also expressed willingness to deepen sci-tech innovation cooperation, so as to boost the high-quality development of the economy and society on both sides.

The two sides adopted a joint statement on sci-tech innovation at the conference.