Pakistan and Iran have agreed to establish high-level committees to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the health sector, following a meeting between Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moqadam, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the meeting included detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, particularly public health, pharmaceuticals, vaccine manufacturing and medical collaboration.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in sectors of mutual interest.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed grief over the recent regional developments and conveyed solidarity with Iran. “We are deeply saddened by the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, other martyrs and innocent children,” he said, adding that the people of Pakistan stand with the Iranian people during this difficult time.
The Iranian ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s support during the recent tensions in the region and praised Islamabad’s positive role in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, according to the Health Ministry.
Dr. Reza Amiri Moqadam also thanked Pakistan for demonstrating solidarity and cooperation during challenging circumstances.
Speaking on bilateral opportunities, Mustafa Kamal said there was vast potential for cooperation in pharmaceutical production, vaccine manufacturing and other medical sectors. He informed the Iranian side about Pakistan’s significant progress in local vaccine production and said both countries could benefit from each other’s experiences through closer collaboration in the health sector.
The Iranian ambassador said Tehran was keen to further expand cooperation with Pakistan in the field of public health and healthcare development.
The two sides agreed to form high-level committees comprising officials from both countries to identify opportunities for joint projects and broader bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
According to Mustafa Kamal, Pakistan will nominate senior representatives including the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Joint Secretary Administration.
He added that Iran would also nominate members for its representative committee, while the committees would work on identifying practical avenues for cooperation and implementation of joint initiatives in the health sector.
