Namaki yesterday met his Lebanese counterpart Jamil Jabak in Tehran and during the meeting both sides discussed ways of cooperation.

IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK

In their joint press conference, Namaki blasted the U.S. measures for imposing sanctions on medicines which are needed by Iranian patients and termed the U.S. pressure on Iran’s health sector a crime against humanity.

He called the U.S. sanctions an illogical and inhuman act, adding, “97 percent of medicines which are needed by Iranian patients are produced in the country and only 3 percent of the medicines are imported and the country has problem for its import.

Namaki reiterated that despite the U.S. sanctions, the necessary medicines for the patients have been provided with collaboration of domestic knowledge-based companies and young talents  in the country and they are determined to produce all needed medicines in the country and there will be no need for imports of medicines.

He went on to say that the raw material of the pharmaceutical sector is available in the country and there is no need for imports from other countries.

Namaki also announced that Iran is ready to expand ties with Lebanon in health sector.

He noted that Iran sees it its duty to support Lebanon.

He informed that Iran is planning to prepare a joint five-year cooperation program with Lebanon.

Namaki went on to say that Iran is ready to dispatch experts to Lebanon for holding short term training courses for Lebanese students.

He also announced Iran’s readiness to provide Lebanon with their needed medicines by transfer of technology to this country in order that Lebanon could strengthen its health and pharmaceutical sector.

He stated that joint investment for building pharmaceutical plants in Lebanon could turn Lebanon int a hub for exports of Iranian medicines to the region.

Namaki reiterated that Iran never looks at Lebanon as a trade market but it is ready to boost Lebanon’s infrastructures in the health sector.

Lebanese health minister, for his part, said the value of Lebanon’s medicines imports stands at $1.7 and the value of imports of medicines for special patients is around $200m.

Jabak went on to say that after inspecting some Iranian medicine producing plants, he realized the quality of Iranian products is very good, adding that Lebanon is keen to import Iranian medicines. He noted that the ministry would ease the process for Lebanon’s private sector for imports of Iranian medicines.

He also said that Lebanon also believes U.S. sanctions are a cruel act and it has no limitation for cooperation with Iran despite sanctions.

Jabak reiterated that increase of sanctions against Iranians on food and medicines is a crime against humanity.

At the end of the joint press conference, Iranian minister officially invited Lebanon to attend the 66th meeting of regional health ministers which will be held in Tehran.

Both sides yesterday signed a comprehensive MoU on cooperation in medicines, medical equipment, health, medical education, research and health development.