According to Webda, in the first meeting between Dr. Esmaeil Garivani, NKUMS’ Director of International Affairs, and the Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the role of the province in health diplomacy and foreign exchange earnings for the country was mentioned, and the capacities of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences in the international field were examined.

 

 In this meeting, Dr. Amirkhani, while explaining the general principles of internationalization, emphasized the importance of dynamism and continuity in international activities and considered raising awareness among the academic community and provincial administrators as the first and most important step in this direction.

 

Referring to the country's upstream documents and policies, he stated: "The role of medical universities in earning foreign exchange through cross-border activities, including attracting international students, accepting non-Iranian patients, and exporting knowledge, is considered a serious priority in the international arena."

 

Referring to the Higher Health Education Planning Map and the ten-fold division of medical universities, Dr. Amirkhani noted: North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences is located in the 9th zone of the country (along with the universities of Mashhad, Birjand, Sabzevar, Gonabad, Torbat Heydariyeh, and the medical schools of Torbat Jam, Esfarayen, and Kashmar). Based on this division, countries such as China, Australia, Afghanistan, and New Zealand have been identified as target countries for cooperation for the 9th zone, and cooperation with these countries should be prioritized; however, this will not be an obstacle to expanding international relations with other countries.

 

The visit continued with a visit to the International Office of Iran University of Medical Sciences. During the visit, in addition to a meeting with the Vice President for Education and the Director of International Relations Development of that office, each of the officials presented a report on their areas of expertise and announced their full readiness to support, transfer experiences, and cooperate in developing the internationalization capacities of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences.