China's first lady Peng Liyuan and Panama's first lady Lorena Castillo attended HIV/AIDS-prevention activities after a meeting in Panama City on Monday.

Peng said China highly values HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, as well as caring for HIV/AIDS patients. The country has made great efforts and achievements in that field. She said China appreciates Panama's emphasis and contributions to the same field.

The Chinese first lady said China also attaches great importance in elevating the health and education conditions of women and children, and she hopes the two sides could join hands in making new and greater achievements there.

Peng is World Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for TB and HIV/AIDS, as well as UNESCO Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls and Women's Education.

Castillo expressed her admiration toward the Chinese government's achievements in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well as the protection of women and children's rights. She said Panama is willing to join hands in promoting cooperation in those fields with China.

Castillo is UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Latin America and president of the National Council for Comprehensive Early Childhood Care (CONAIPI).

After the meeting, the two first ladies posed for photos holding colorful paper butterflies, which symbolize the “Zero Discrimination Movement” for HIV/AIDS patients, and expressed their determination to work for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment around the globe.

Peng said China and Panama share the same wish of eliminating HIV/AIDS, and are looking forward to more cooperation in accomplishing the UNAIDS goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived for a state visit to Panama on Sunday. It is the first of its kind since China and the Central American country established diplomatic relations in June 2017.