In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Morocco and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to bolster cooperation in health and social protection, with a focus on pandemic preparedness and health crisis management.
The agreement was formalized in Rabat by Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Aït Taleb, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health, Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel. The memorandum aims to improve the quality of healthcare services, enhance patient safety, and intensify efforts to combat pandemics and epidemics.
This includes early detection and swift implementation of control measures, as well as advancing public health, preventive and curative medicine, digital health, and virtual medicine. In addition to these priorities, the partnership will explore cooperation in blood transfusion services to ensure a secure and adequate blood supply in both countries.
The memorandum's objectives will be achieved through the exchange of information and expertise, visits by experts and specialists, the organization of conferences and seminars, and health sector training. Furthermore, the agreement encourages scientific research in health and medicine, as well as the exchange of knowledge in the fields of medicine and telemedicine.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Aït Taleb praised the strong ties between Morocco and Saudi Arabia, noting that the agreement would further solidify the diverse aspects of cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized that the memorandum would enhance bilateral efforts to overcome global challenges in managing pandemics and health crises.
Saudi Health Minister Al-Jalajel underscored the importance of the agreement, highlighting its role in strengthening cooperation in scientific research, health system development, and telemedicine. He also noted that his meeting with Minister Aït Taleb provided an opportunity to discuss international cooperation and strategies to address the current global health situation.
The meeting also allowed the Saudi delegation to be briefed on Morocco's ambitious projects to reform the national health system under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI. Key initiatives include expanding social protection, achieving universal health coverage, and developing the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries.
