MNA � In a Friday meeting between Iranian Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, the officials of the two country expressed readiness to further expand ties in health sector.







The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to expand its relations in various fields of health and pharmaceutical sectors with the Republic of Azerbaijan, said Hashemi in the meeting.

The shared culture, religion and history of the two nations prepare the ground for bolstering relations in all areas, including medical cooperation, via both the public and private sectors, he added.

Touching upon Iran�s medical achievements in recent years, Hashemi said that Iran is ready to share all its knowledge and experience to Azerbaijan.

Many patients from other countries travel to Iran to undergo complicated surgeries since such services are being offered with higher quality and lower cost compared to other countries, Hashemi noted.

Referring to pharmaceutical capabilities of Iran, Health Minister said that more than 96 percent of Iran�s drug requirement is fulfilled by domestic productions and also, Iran exports advanced high-quality medicine to some 30 different countries across the globe.

Aliyev, for his part, highlighted the need to boost bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.

Agreements between the two countries in health sector have had a slower growth compared to other sectors, he said, adding that there should be efforts to reach appropriate growth in this field.

Referring to a joint project for establishing a pharmaceutical company in Azerbaijan, he said that there are some issues which are being discussed and will soon be solved.

Elsewhere, Aliyev supported the presence of Iranian physicians in Azerbaijan�s hospitals and welcomed plans to boost cooperation in medical education.

Arriving at Baku airport Thursday morning atop a high-ranking delegation from Ministry of Health and private sector, Hashemi said the 2-day visit aims at expanding medical cooperation.