In a significant move to deepen their bilateral relations, Iran and Cuba have formally signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sectors. The agreement was finalized by the Head of Iran's Food and Drug Administration and the Head of Cuba’s Center for State Control of Medicines and Medical Devices (CECMED), marking a new chapter in health diplomacy between the two nations.

This comprehensive agreement establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of manufacturing companies and their products. Under this new arrangement, companies and production centers licensed by the Ministry of Health in either Iran or Cuba will be formally recognized in the other country. Furthermore, pharmaceutical products and medical equipment manufactured by one party will be registered and approved for use in the other, streamlining the process of market entry. A key feature of this system is the expedited issuance of official registration certificates, which for both existing and new products will be completed within a maximum of one month upon submission of the required documentation, eliminating the need for lengthy re-evaluation procedures.

The collaboration extends beyond regulatory alignment to include substantial cooperation in training and technology. The two nations have agreed to hold joint educational courses focusing on regulatory affairs and to facilitate the transfer of technical, engineering, and biological knowledge. This exchange is specifically targeted at supporting the establishment and equipping of advanced manufacturing facilities. The MoU is widely seen as a vital step in developing scientific, technological, and economic relations within the health sector, with the ultimate goal of increasing joint production, sharing valuable experiences, and ensuring a stable supply of essential medicines and medical equipment for both populations.

This strategic partnership lays the groundwork for active collaboration in educational, research, and technological programs, with a particular emphasis on advanced fields such as vaccines, biological products, and laboratory diagnostic methods. The groundwork for this agreement was laid during a preparatory visit to Cuba by a high-level Iranian delegation in October 2023, which included the Director General of the Pasteur Institute of Iran.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran, a leading vaccine research center, has a history of productive collaboration with Cuba, having previously received technology for the production of Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines. It is currently pursuing a project for the transfer of pneumococcal vaccine technology. This new MoU is expected to not only streamline such technology transfers but also facilitate the export of Iranian-produced biological products to the Cuban market, solidifying a robust and mutually beneficial partnership.