RIYADH: The Saudi-Japan Healthcare Forum concluded on Monday with a focus on the treatment of diabetes and cancer with joint efforts between the two countries.

Local and foreign medical specialists in diabetes, oncology, endoscopy, and surgeries were present to exchange their experiences.

Speaking to Arab News, Michihiro Hazumi, leader of the Japanese delegation, said his country’s mission is to learn from the Saudi experience in the relevant fields and explore cooperation in areas where joint efforts are needed.

He said that the meeting was a follow-up to King Salman’s visit to Tokyo, during which he met the Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe.

He also said his country is ready to lend its cooperation in the medical fields under the Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr. Mohammed K Alabdulaali, assistant deputy minister for hospital services, told Arab News that the forum was the outcome of a meeting between the health ministers of the two countries where they decided to identify new areas of cooperation in treating non-communicable diseases and exchanging training programs.

He pointed out that diabetes is a disease that needs special attention in preventing as well as treating such patients.

The incidence of diabetes remains high in the Kingdom and it can be controlled, he said, urging people to be mindful of diseases that attack them due to rich foods, lack of exercise and lack of rest.

The forum witnessed a number of workshops and scientific lectures presented by the Saudi and Japanese sides, including an overview of medical emergency in Japan, emergency life-saving technicians and medical measures adopted against disaster.