Iran's top diplomat in Bolivia says his country will open two health clinics in the Andean nation as a base for future Red Crescent projects in South America. The agreement was signed by Iranian business attaché Hojjatollah Soltani and the Bolivian Health Minister, Ramiro Tapia, in the presence of President Evo Morales at the Presidential Palace in La Paz Oct. 10. Soltani signed the agreement on behalf of the Iranian Red Crescent.

The agreement includes sending Iranian medical teams to Bolivia, and offering specialized education and training for Bolivian physicians. Health Minister Tapia said the Iranian clinics will expand medical aid already being provided by Cuba and Venezuela. The Iranian Red Crescent currently operates medical centers in 18 countries. (Press TV, Iran, Oct. 11)

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