Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi  met with the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Beijing on Tuesday. 

During their meeting, Dr. Tedros thanked China for its support of the UN health agency's work, adding that he appreciated the country's contributions to global healthcare development. 

In response, Wang commended the organization’s efforts in promoting universal medical services, adding that "as a partner and member of the WHO, China would continue to support its work." 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (left) smiles as he arrives for a meeting with Wang Yi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, July 17, 2018. /AP Photo

The Chinese state councilor went on to say that healthcare was an important part of global governance and China's national development strategy. He said Beijing was willing to deepen cooperation with the WHO under a number of initiatives, such as their joint "Health Silk Road" project, various China-Africa health development plans, as well as the organization's five-year action plan for health, employment and inclusive economic growth. 

Dr. Tedros welcomed Wang's comments, saying their enhanced cooperation would improve health standards in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Prior to the meeting, Dr. Tedros met several Chinese officials, including Vice President Wang Qishan and President Xi Jinping's wife, Peng Liyuan. 

A former health and foreign minister in Ethiopia, Dr. Tedros was chosen to lead the WHO last July, succeeding Dr. Margaret Chan from Hong Kong, who had held office since January 2007. 

This is Dr. Tedros' second visit to China since he assumed the role.