TEHRAN – Iraq’s Deputy Interior Minister has expressed the country’s intention to benefit from the services, products and experience of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).
The Iraqi delegation led by Salah al-Obaidi is on a three-day visit to IRCS to better understand the society’s capabilities and potential, the IRCS website reported.
“Due to the high caliber of Iranian experts, the close ties between the two countries and their proximity, we also look forward to strengthening ties in the fields of pharmaceuticals, treatment and rehabilitation,” the IRCS website quoted Al-Obaidi as saying in a meeting with IRCS Director Pirhossein Kolivand on Thursday.
The official praised IRCS’ services during the Arbain pilgrimage and its humanitarian efforts in war-hit countries such as Gaza, Syria and Lebanon.
He went on to say that Iraq is in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to send Iraqi patients to Iran for treatment, but the signing of the MOU has been delayed due to the outbreak of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
Mr. Kolivand reaffirmed his readiness to foster bilateral relations with Iraq and described IRCS’ capabilities, highlighting that the association has medical centers in 15 countries, including Dubai, Iraq (Najaf), as well as many Asian, African and South American countries.
Helal (IRCS) textile company manufactures relief tents, mats, clothing, and essentials. He pointed out that pharmaceutical companies manufacture various types of medicines, medical devices and prosthetic limbs (prosthetics).
With support from the ICRC, IRCS stands ready to share its expertise
In May, Corrivand announced its readiness to share its scientific and educational experience and operational expertise with other Red Crescent Societies, with a donation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
IRCS is keen to share its expertise in a variety of areas, including diagnosing individuals with mobility disabilities through screening, providing rehabilitation services, and training individuals living in mine-affected areas how to identify and avoid landmine hazards, Kolliband said.
The official made the remarks during a meeting with NAME (North Africa and the Middle East) Director of Operations Nicholas von Arkes and Iran ICRC Representative Vincent Cassar.
Mr. Colliband also called on the ICRC to hold a convention to commemorate the life-saving efforts of the International Rescue Team members who lost their lives. He said the ICRC would motivate the Red Crescent Societies by supporting their response and humanitarian efforts.
Regarding unilateral sanctions, the official said, “We look forward to the International Committee of the Red Cross playing its role in facilitating the import of medicines and medical equipment by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.”
The official went on to ask the ICRC to equip Red Crescent helicopters with night vision cameras to improve rescue operations.
MT/MG