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UAE health ministry discusses pharmaceutical cooperation with Indonesia

Dubai - The meeting touched on the cooperation between drug regulatory authorities, as well as partnerships between manufacturers of medicines and vaccines.

Healthcare representatives of the UAE and Indonesia recently held a meeting to discuss partnership opportunities in drug development and vaccines.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention's (Mohap) Public Health Policy and Licensing, met with Dr Ir. Penny Kusumastuti Lukito, Chairman of the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration, and Husin Bagis, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE. 
The officials reviewed the prospects for signing an agreement to boost the two countries' cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.
The meeting touched on the cooperation between drug regulatory authorities in both countries, as well as partnerships between manufacturers of medicines and vaccines; and the mutual investment in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. They also explored the evaluation and licensing of Indonesian medical personnel in the UAE.
In an interview with Khaleej Times earlier this month, Bagis had said Indonesia was also hoping to partner with the UAE for the Covid-19 vaccine. 
Advancing relations
Welcoming the Indonesian ambassador and his delegation, Al Amiri explained that the meeting aims to pursue efforts in the pharmaceutical industry, drug registration, and vaccines, and support the needs of the entire region.
"The meeting comes as part of the bilateral agreements that the two countries signed in late 2019 in Indonesia. We also discussed the possibility of entering into agreements on drugs and vaccines, which will be coordinated throughthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation," he added. 
Dr Al Amiri also highlighted the UAE's key position in the pharmaceutical sector and its growing industries. The country has attracted  multinational pharmaceutical companies, with UAE-based scientific offices now at 78. By the end of 2021, this number is expected to reach 85, thanks to the country's cutting-edge logistical services that support the pharmaceutical sector in 42 countries. 
The Indonesian delegation hailed the quality and efficiency of the UAE's health system, which has increasingly earned the confidence of the international community. 
The delegation expressed its deep gratitude to the UAE for sending medical supplies to Indonesia to help support health workers in battling Covid-19 pandemic.
Among those who attended the meeting were Budhi Prihantoro, Consul-General of Indonesia; Diana Sotikno, Head of International Affairs; Rizka Al-Andalusia, Director of Drug Registration; and representatives of the Indonesian FDA.
Dr Lubna Ali Al Shaali, director of the public health policy department; Dr Ruqaya Al Bastaki, director of drug department; and Dr Rita Al Chalouhi, pharmaceutical policy advisor, were also present.