Iran and Tajikistan have agreed to draft a joint roadmap aimed at advancing social welfare and empowerment initiatives, marking a significant step in their growing bilateral relations. According to IRNA, the announcement was made by Javad Hosseini, head of Iran's State Welfare Organization, on December 23 during his visit to Dushanbe.

Hosseini met with Habibullo Khayrullozoda, Tajikistan's Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation.

According to Hosseini, the talks were part of a broader effort to foster deeper collaboration between the two countries, with a particular focus on improving welfare services for vulnerable groups.

One key element of the agreement is the provision of training for Tajikistan's social work professionals and psychologists by Iran. The two sides also discussed the organization of joint specialized conferences and the signing of new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to further strengthen their cooperation.

Ali-Reza Haghighian, Iran's Ambassador to Tajikistan, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the extensive expertise and resources available through Iran’s State Welfare Organization.

He also emphasized the embassy’s commitment to facilitating communication and providing necessary cooperation to help expand collaboration between the Iranian and Tajik institutions.

Meanwhile, the press center of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan (MoHSPP) says a meeting between Habibullo Khayrullozoda, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, and representatives from Iran’s Welfare Organization was held at a MoHSPP on December 22.  The meeting, which was also attended by senior officials from relevant departments of the Ministry, focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in the areas of healthcare and social protection.

Khayrullozoda welcomed the Iranian delegation, expressing gratitude for their visit to Tajikistan. He highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the two brotherly nations in the fields of public health and social welfare, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership.

During the meeting, participants reportedly exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various sectors of social protection, sharing ideas on how to further strengthen the mutual support and exchange of expertise.

At the conclusion of the discussions, both sides expressed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation on the issues of mutual interest, underscoring their enthusiasm for continued collaboration to address common challenges in healthcare and social protection.

The State Welfare Organization of Iran, also known as Behzisti Organization, is an essential body under the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare. Established after the 1979 revolution, it focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, those in need of care, and orphaned children. The organization also oversees special needs education, addiction treatment (excluding certain centers), and conducts suicide prevention initiatives.