Cuban President Dr. Miguel Diaz-Canel, the Cuban delegation and Iranian Health Minister Dr. Bahram Eynollahi visited the Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran on Monday, Dec 4.

In this meeting, ways to expand cooperation between the two countries in the field of vaccines and joint research were discussed. At the beginning of meeting, the General Director of Pasteur Institute of Iran, Dr. Rahim Sorouri, said that the meeting in this historic and impressive institute will lead to remarkable outcome for improving health of the two countries. Dr. Rahim Sorouri, reviewed the history of scientific relations and public Health collaboration between Iran and Cuba. He stated that in 1995, following the visit of the time Iranian Minister of Heath to Cuba, a contract was signed for Technology Transfer of some biological products. Therefore, in 2009, the production of Hepatitis B Vaccine was completed in the Pasteur Institute of Iran and Iran became self-sufficient in the production of this vaccine. The beginning of Covid-19 pandemic and the similarity of part of production in pneumococcal and Covid-19 vaccines, a supplementary contract was formed for the production of the covid19 vaccine. Consequently, Scientific and technical cooperation with Cuba as well as joint clinical research led to obtaining national and international licenses for Soberana 2 vaccine in Cuba and PastoCoVac vaccine in Iran. Dr. Rahim Sorouri continued that prediction for the future of health in the world indicates the concern of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Today, more than ever, the cooperation of countries for common goals and strengthening each other seems necessary. Collaboration and alliance between the two countries can certainly create a better future for the two nations of Iran and Cuba. The General Director of Pasteur Institute of Iran stated: Considering the concerns, the history of collaboration, and the negotiations with the Cuban side and other agreements, the major priorities of the Pasteur Institute of Iran with the Cuban side include the following: Research and development of technologies to produce strategic products, accelerating the process of technology transfer; Clinical studies of pneumococcal vaccine, supply of meningitis vaccine required by the country and region: Agreement for export of biological products including vaccines produced by Pasteur Institute of Iran.

Dr. Bahram Eynollahi, Iranian Health Minister; also said in this meeting: A new chapter has been created between the two countries, Iran and Cuba, and we have made a lot of progress. Dr. Eynollahi said: Despite the cruel sanctions, Iran has been able to progress in all fields. We have 67 medical universities and schools, and 850 medical research centers, and we must stand on our own feet to grow. He added: Pasteur Institute of Iran has cooperated with Cuban research institutes for three decades, and during the Covid-19 Pandemic, one of the best vaccines in the world was produced with the cooperation of Iran and Cuba. If we want to grow, we must cooperate with each other. The Minister of Health said: Cuba has a strategic role in Latin America and we are looking to strengthen scientific cooperation with Cuba. Dr. Eynollahi stated: We are looking for the transfer of vaccine technology to produce a joint vaccine. Therefore, Cuba and Iran will become a vaccine hub in the Latin American and West Asian regions. The Minister of Health said: Sanctions will not affect the scientific development of Cuba and Iran, and the two countries can follow the path of growth, and the collaboration of the two countries should increase.