Tehran - A senior official at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for expanding the regional and international engagement of the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute through multilateral organizations, highlighting the institute’s capacity to contribute to cooperation in vaccines, antivenoms, and public health.

 

Behzad Azarsa, Director General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Department at the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks during a joint meeting with Razi Institute executives and specialists, according to the institute’s public relations office.

 

He pointed to the significant potential of regional and international bodies, including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Developing Eight (D8), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), as platforms for advancing scientific, technological, and economic collaboration.

 

He said the Razi Institute could play a prominent role in strengthening regional partnerships in vaccine development, antivenom production, and human health.

 

Noting that the ECO Secretariat is headquartered in Tehran, Azarsa described the arrangement as a strategic advantage for Iran in promoting scientific and technological cooperation.

 

He added that Iran is among the few countries hosting the secretariat of a multilateral economic organization, a position that provides opportunities to showcase national capabilities, particularly in health and biotechnology.

 

The official also referred to the successful convening of several high-level summits related to ECO, D8, and IORA, saying such forums have created valuable avenues for scientific, research, and technological exchange between specialized institutions such as the Razi Institute and their international counterparts.