TEHRAN – The Japanese ambassador to Tehran, Kazutoshi Aikawa, and the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Pir Hossein Kolivand, discussed joint cooperation in responding to adverse natural and human consequences of climate change.

In a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, Kolivand proposed to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese Red Cross to transfer experiences.

Japan and Iran have many points in common, which has led to good cooperation in their traditional and historical relations, but unfortunately, both countries are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, Aikawa said.

“Climate change has caused the increase and spread of accidents, and the bilateral cooperation can turn useful and effective in responding to the accidents,” he added.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency has started a big project to control floods and droughts and is ready to cooperate with Iran in the field of adverse consequences of climate change, he suggested.

Kolivand, for his part, said that an educational park to deal with natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods is planned to be constructed. Japanese experience can be effective in a hazard simulation park in Iran.

IRCS has a long history in dealing with natural incidents and rescue operations, which can be shared with the Japanese side, he further announced.

Despite shortages in logistics and relief facilities, on the other hand, it is one of the top populations in the world in terms of specialized manpower, trained rescuers, and a large number of volunteers, he added.

Our experiences in the field of rehabilitation and self-sufficiency in the production of orthoses and prostheses related to technical orthopedics are significant and in line with the world standards, he further highlighted.

FB/MG