Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel attended a Saudi-French healthcare meeting organized by the Saudi-French Business Council in Paris.
The event focused on enhancing economic cooperation in key sectors, especially healthcare, biotechnology, and foreign and private investments, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also explored partnership prospects between the Kingdom and France in digital health and advanced medical technologies, aiming to boost joint investment opportunities and support both countries’ ambitions to advance their healthcare sectors.
In his speech, the minister highlighted the depth of strategic ties between the Kingdom and France, noting that this strong partnership showed a shared commitment to advancing global health and tackling health challenges.
AlJalajel also emphasized cooperation in innovation, particularly in biotechnology and localizing the healthcare industry to enhance resilience and sustainability.
The event concluded with both sides underscoring the importance of strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation to serve mutual interests and a shared future vision.
During his official visit to France, the Saudi minister also held high-level bilateral meetings in Paris, the SPA reported.
He met with Anne-Claire Legendre, adviser to the French president, at the Elysee Palace, where they discussed strengthening the Saudi-French partnership in health, especially in system development, medical innovation, and knowledge exchange.
He also met with Minister of State for Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz to explore cooperation in artificial intelligence technologies and their healthcare applications, focusing on improving quality and service efficiency.
In addition, AlJalajel met with Saudi scholarship students in Paris, praising their academic achievements and role in representing the Kingdom in international scientific forums.
He stressed their importance in shaping the future of the health sector through knowledge and innovation.
The Saudi minister’s visit will also include the signing of several memoranda of understanding in digital health, the pharmaceutical industry, and ambulatory services, as well as meetings with senior French officials to discuss future healthcare partnerships.
AlJalajel is accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority, Seha Virtual Hospital, the Ministerial Committee for Health in All Policies, and Health Holding Co.