Iran Ready To Expand Medical Collaboration With Russia : VP

Tehran, Feb 25, IRNA -- Iran is prepared to have close cooperation with Russia in medical and pharmaceutical fields, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said on Sunday. He made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Russian Health and Social Development Minister Veronika Skvortsova. ˈDespite sanctions and pressures imposed on the Iranian nation by big powers, Iran had made considerable progress in medical and pharmaceutical fields and it produces about 97 percent of its medical needs by itself.ˈ Rahimi called for all-out expansion of relations between Tehran and Moscow in all fields. Russian health and social development minister, for his part, noted that she has been surprised by Iranian scientists and research centersˈ progresses in fields of production of medical items and pharmaceutical equipment. ˈRussia welcomes expansion of ties with Iran in medical and pharmaceutical fields; collaboration between Tehran and Moscow would be beneficial to both countries.ˈ Russian health and social development minister arrived in Tehran on Sunday to confer with Iranian officials on mutual health cooperation. The Russian health minister, heading a delegation in her visit to Iran, met with Iranian Caretaker Health Minister Mohammad Hassan Tariqat-Monfared. During her stay in Tehran, Skvortsova also paid visits to Iranˈs health and medical institutions. Iran and Russia have vast cooperation in different fields, especially in political and economic spheres. The two enjoy also special positions on the international scene and have long held constant consultations on key regional and global issues. Russian banks are participating in schemes to finance Iranian oil exports, which are the target of US and European sanctions against Tehran, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said earlier this month./end