The chancellor of the Guilan University of Medical Sciences, referring to Iran's active diplomacy with the Caspian Association member countries, stated that the medical universities of the Caspian Association can collaborate more than ever in accepting international students in the fields of medical sciences, health tourism, provision of medical services, exchange of medical knowledge and technology, joint clinical research, and export of medicines and medical equipment.

According to the public relations of the department of International Affairs of Gilan University of Medical Sciences and as reported by the Guilan Webda news agency, this morning, the annual meeting of Iranian members of the Association of state universities of the Caspian Sea region  and research centers was hosted by Guilan University in the Hekmat Hall.

At this meeting, in addition to the presidents of state universities and research centers in the Caspian Sea region, Dr. Mohammadreza Mohammadi-Atar, the Deputy for Scientific Cooperation and Specialized Organizations of the International Scientific Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Science, Dr. Mohammad Jalaei, the Deputy for Political, Security, and Social Affairs of the Governorate of Guilan, and Dr. Iman Alizadeh, the Director of International Affairs of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, were also present.

At the meeting, Dr. Mohammadtaghi Ashoobi, the chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, stated: Health and security are two unknown blessings that nations realize their importance more when they are threatened.

He mentioned that the issue and challenge that all nations have experienced in recent years is COVID-19 adding: This pandemic has shown that some issues and challenges are a common point of discussion in the world that need to be addressed with political, educational, scientific, social, and even economic development.

The chancellor of Guilan University of Medical Sciences referred to the special and strategic regional position of Iran and said: The geopolitical position of Iran and Guilan province in the Caspian Sea region, and the existence of numerous political, social, economic, and cultural commonalities, have led us to strengthen our cooperation in these areas more than ever.

Dr. Ashoobi emphasized the role of universities in developing relations between nations and governments and stated: Universities, as the gateway to knowledge beyond political and geographical borders, should be a factor in linking governments and nations. We are very happy to be in a region where we can strengthen our relations, especially in the field of health and treatment, while preserving our independence and territorial integrity, and promote development.

He also stated that today, the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided a golden opportunity in scientific, political, medical, educational, and economic diplomacy, and our relations with the developed Caspian Sea countries have developed more than ever. The medical universities of the Caspian Association can collaborate more than ever in accepting international students in the fields of medical sciences, health tourism, provision of medical services, exchange of medical knowledge and technology, joint clinical research, and export of medicines and medical equipment.

The President of Guilan University of Medical Sciences also referred to the cooperation agreement between this university and the Astarakhan University of Russia and said: The students of this university have participated in the student Olympiad of Astarakhan University and have achieved top rankings.

Dr. Ashoobi acknowledged that fortunately, Iran's common relations with the Caspian Association countries, especially in the field of education and treatment, are provided. He also stated that efforts and negotiations are underway to meet and hold talks with the presidents of medical universities of the Caspian Association countries, including Astarakhan, and we hope that this program will be implemented as soon as possible to provide a platform for developing university relations in scientific, educational, and medical environments.

He also announced taking practical steps towards developing university relations with a focus on the Medical Sciences Commission of the Caspian Association and said: We will plan to identify the potentials of the medical universities of the Caspian Association in educational, research, treatment, cultural, and student dimensions as the management of the Medical Sciences Commission of the Caspian Association, and start joint actions to establish connections with universities of other member countries.

Dr. Vadim Salyaev, the President of Kalmykia State University of Russia, also participated in this meeting as the rotating head of the Association of state universities of the Caspian Sea countries via video conference and explained the goals of this term, as well as the measures and objectives of the next term of the member universities of the Association in the fields of education, research, and studies.

It should be noted that the Association of state universities and research centers of the Caspian Sea countries was formed in 1996 with the participation of the presidents of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Gorgan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources universities from Iran, three universities from Russia, as well as the presidents of universities from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

According to the Association's statute, the University of Gilan serves as the Iranian Secretariat of the Association of state universities and research centers of the Caspian Sea countries.

Currently, 21 Iranian universities and research centers are members of this association.