TEHRAN – The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed ways to boost cooperation in the health field with African countries in a virtual meeting with Iranian ambassadors and attachés to Africa.
During Sunday’s meeting, Deputy Health Minister for International Affairs Alireza Biglari highlighted the country’s capabilities in health-related fields. The official announced that the Ministry of Health is ready to implement decisions and operational plans, citing existing capacities as a valuable opportunity for expanding health diplomacy and favorable conditions for cooperation with African countries, IRNA reported.
Meanwhile, Akbar Khosravi Nejad, Deputy Foreign Minister and Director of the Africa Department of Iran, emphasized the importance of Africa in Iran’s foreign policy and said that the country’s health system is one of the key sectors for strengthening cooperation with these countries.
Nader Tavakoli, Rector of Iran University of Medical Sciences, explained the university’s current activities and programs in Africa, as well as future plans to meet African ambassadors in Tehran.
Iran is ready to strengthen cooperation with Africa in the health sector
In April, Ali Jafarian, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Health, announced the country’s readiness to strengthen ties with African countries in the health sector.
According to the Ministry of Health’s website, on Sunday at the Expert Committee of the Third Iran-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Tehran, the official welcomed the development of cooperation with African countries and elaborated on the economic potential of the health sector, including health systems, treatment, medical education, research and technology, medicines and medical devices, health infrastructure development, blood transfusion medicine and other related areas.
The official also invited African experts to foster relationships with Iran’s medical science universities, scientific research centers, medical institutions, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, and knowledge-based companies.
Trade between Iran and Africa is experiencing significant growth, and both countries are actively pursuing new opportunities in key sectors such as energy, industry, health, and agriculture. The Iranian government has emphasized its efforts to strengthen commercial relations with African countries, leveraging strategic initiatives aimed at increasing trade volumes.
MT/MG