HAVANA, Cuba.- The Portuguese Minister of Health, Paulo Macedo, praised in Lisbon the results of a medical cooperation agreement between Cuba and Portugal signed in 2009, and announced that both sides decided to renew the accord.

During a meeting in the Portuguese capital with Cuba’s ambassador Eduardo Gonzalez, Macedo expressed the gratitude of his government for the contribution made there by 44 Cuban physicians who “have stood out for their dedication and outstanding professional qualification.”

He added that the Cuban specialists’ work and training have been extolled by the Portuguese people and professionals of the sector for their high level of knowledge.

The Cuban physicians are making their contribution in the southern regions of Algarve and Alentejo, rural areas with high population rates and insufficient primary health care services.

Cuba’s experience in the health sector, in which First World results have been achieved, and the production of medicines, vaccines and other products —some of which the country can export—, were some other topics discussed during the meeting.