Azerbaijan, Iran to further medical cooperation

By Sara Rajabova

Iran and Azerbaijan plan to develop bilateral cooperation in the sphere of medicine.

The two sides will sign a memorandum of understanding on expanding cooperation in the field of medicine, Iran's Health and Medical Education Minister's Special Envoy and Tabriz Medical Sciences University Rector Mohammad Hossein Somi told Trend Agency on April 15.

Somi said the memorandum, which will be signed between the Tabriz Medical University and Azerbaijan Medical University, envisages joint trainings, exchange of students and teachers of medical universities, and research on the treatment of infectious diseases.

He also highlighted the low price of medicine in Iran compared to other regional countries.

Somi said ways of rendering health services and the development of bilateral ties in healthcare and education will also be discussed between Azerbaijan and Iran.

The recognition of Azerbaijani Medical University's diplomas in Iran will also be mulled during the meetings.

During his three-day visit to Azerbaijan, Somi will also review issues such as teacher and student exchange and holding joint workshops.

He will also visit the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and hold several meetings there.

After the simplification of the visa regulations, the number of Azerbaijanis visiting Iran for medical treatment is rising on a daily basis. The number of people visiting Tabriz for treatment makes up the majority.

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayin said earlier that about one million Azerbaijani citizens traveled to Iran in 2013.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Data from the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan shows that trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $281.03 million in 2013, which is 6.13 percent higher than 2012. The figure stood at $263.785 million in 2012.