Syria, Iran discuss cooperation in health sector

Minister of Health Dr. Wael al-Halqi on Sunday discussed with President of the Technological Cooperation Center of Iran's Presidential Office Hamidreza Amirinia bolstering bilateral cooperation in the medical and health sector. Amirinia expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with Syria in the health sector, reiterating Iran's stance in support of Syria. For his part, al-Halqi reviewed the state of the health sector in Syria which is suffering due to the acts of the armed terrorist groups, adding that the sector is also affected by the unjust sanctions made by the USA and the EU. He added that Syria wishes to procure medicine and medical equipment from Iran, and that Iran welcomes this idea. Minister al-Halqi also discussed with Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Abo Alhasan Fakih means of enhancing cooperation in the health sector. The two sides condemned the acts of the armed terrorist groups which target the Syrian people, with Fakih stressing Iran's readiness to provide the needed aid to the Syrian health sector. Al-Halqi also met with the General Director of the Manufacturers and Exporters of the Medical Equipments Union in Iran along with executives of Iranian companies specializing in producing medical equipment, discussing with the needs of the health sector in Syria. The General Director and the executives briefed the Minister on the resources they have available for supporting the health sector in Syria, with Iranian experts voicing readiness to relay their skills and expertise in the fields of medical equipment. Al-Halqi also visited an Iranian pharmaceuticals factory, where executives of pharmaceutical companies expressed readiness to supply the needs of the health sector in Syria.