Armenian Red Cross, Iranian Red Crescent sign humanitarian cooperation memorandum

The Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) and the Iranian Red Crescent Society have signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out joint humanitarian projects in healthcare, social support, and other areas.

The agreement was signed on October 28 in Yerevan by ARCS President David Nersisyan and Iranian Red Crescent President Dr Pir-Hossein Kolivand, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Relations between the two organisations strengthened following last year’s floods in the Lori region, when the Iranian Red Crescent provided humanitarian aid.

Nersisyan said that the Iranian side, with its significant resources, expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with the Armenian Red Cross, with plans to move towards practical initiatives.

Dr Kolivand emphasised that the partnership will cover education, rescue operations, and healthcare, and that the Iranian Red Crescent is ready to share expertise and provide assistance where needed.

One of the first initiatives will include the provision of medicines and equipment to the Armenian Red Cross, as well as the establishment of cancer prevention centres and a modern surgical centre. Kolivand also mentioned plans for a state-of-the-art cardiac centre and dialysis facility in Armenia, alongside the supply of tents, blankets, and clothing for rescue operations.

Bahram Taheri, Deputy Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, said the collaboration reflects the rapidly developing relations between the two countries and assured that the embassy will support the implementation of the signed memorandum.

By Aghakazim Guliyev