ISNA � Swiss ambassador to Tehran, Markus Leitner stressed that Swiss companies operating in Iran are keen to cooperate with Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

He made the remarks during a meeting with the head of IRCS, Karim Hemmati focusing on supplying equipment needed to treat patients with COVID-19.

Hemmati said, �Humanitarian diplomacy is an important point that should be considered. Coronavirus death toll in Iran rose because of shortages we have faced due to US� illegal sanctions�.

�Currently, one of the basic needs is to provide ventilators. Switzerland has the ability to supply and produce the equipment, if we can have the equipment with the support of the Swiss government, we can save more lives,� he added.

�We are ready to share our experience in the field of fighting coronavirus and cooperate with Swiss universities and scientific and research centers in this regard,� Hemmati went on to say.

Markus Leitner, for his part, said, �Swiss government and embassy have close cooperation with IRCS. We believe that IRCS has carried out productive measures in fighting the virus�.

�Swiss companies operating in Iran are keen to cooperate with IRCS therefore, you can announce the list of items and equipment you need, so that we can distribute them to the companies for supply,� he added.

�Given the importance of humanitarian diplomacy, Switzerland is trying to expand its relations with IRCS to develop humanitarian services,� the ambassador stressed.