TEHRAN -- Iranian Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh-Hashemi and his Brazilian counterpart Ricardo Barros signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday to boost cooperation in the health sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 17th World Health Assembly in Geneva, which runs until May 31, IRNA news agency reported.

The MOU is aiming at improving cooperation in various fields of healthcare including pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment and biotechnological studies.

They also insisted on expanding ties in control and prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

According to the MOU, two working groups will be established by the two sides to conduct studies and attend joint workshops to share knowledge and experience and discuss further cooperation.

The World Health Assembly is attended by delegates from WHO member states as well as representatives from many agencies, organizations, foundations and other groups that contribute to improving public health. The member states approve resolutions in committee before formally adopting them in the plenary session at the end of the Health Assembly.

SB/MG