TEHRAN –The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Pir-hossein Kolivand, and the president of the Russian Red Cross Society (RRCS), Savchuk Pavel Olegovich, have discussed ways to develop cooperation between the two countries.

The officials met on the sidelines of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which will be held from October 28 to 31 in Geneva, Switzerland
Highlighting that the IRCS is a member of the BRICS Civil Forum, and the chairman of the health working group of the forum, Kolivand stressed the significance of developing cooperation between the two societies. He also announced readiness to conduct joint activities with the RRCS.

“Red crescent and red cross societies shoulder the same responsibilities, they can cooperate to expand international peace and security in the world,” the official noted.

The official went on to enumerate the capabilities of the IRCS in manufacturing medicines, medical tools, and prostheses, as well as establishing medical and rehabilitation centers. 

Kolivand highlighted the expertise of the IRCS in providing relief services, and promoting resilience in communities during crises, like natural hazards or war.

During a meeting held on April 22, Alena Peryshinka, co-chair of the BRICS Civil Forum told Kolivand that “The great capabilities and accomplishments of the IRCS in various fields have made BRICS eager to cooperate with the society,” IRNA reported.

In July, Kolivand chaired the health working group of the BRICS Civil Forum.

With the motto of ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security’, the BRICS Civil Forum was held from July 3-4 in Moscow.

IRCS expertise ‘an added value’ for BRICS: Russia’s Ryabkov

In September, Sergei Alexeyevich Ryabkov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, said “The extensive and acknowledged activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) at the national and international levels can be an added value for the BRICS member states.”

The official has also requested the IRCS to share its knowledge and experiences with member states, the IRCS website reported.

Ryabkov made the remarks in a meeting, held on the sidelines of the fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum, with Razieh Alishvandi, the IRCS director for international affairs.

Alishvandi represented Iran in the fourth forum which was held from September 18 to 20 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Presenting a speech on the empowerment of Iranian women in the forum, the official emphasized the importance of fostering women’s participation in social, economic, and political decision-making.

IFRC lauds IRCS

In September, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) project manager, Faisal Mahboob, lauded the capabilities of the IRCS as outstanding.

The official said he was impressed by the capacity and the wide range of activities carried out by the IRCS.

 “The International Federation will support the activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to commence a new phase of collaboration with the society,” Mahboob added, the IRCS website reported.

MT/MG