Mr. Stift who was accompanied by Mr. Georg Weingartner, Austrian Commercial Counselor, and Ms. Salomeh Saidi, Austrian Marketing Manager, warmly welcomed Dr. Zali and IRIMC senior delegation.
Dr. Zali pointed the prominent role of Austrians in establishing Dar-al-Fonoon (College of Skills & Polytechnics) in 19^th century which was the first modern college of higher education in Iran.
IRIMC president acknowledged the role of Jakob Eduard Polak, an Austrian physician and writer who was instrumental in establishing the modern medicine in Iran.
"Dr. Polak was among 6 Austrian scholars who had been invited by Amir-e Kabir, the grand vizier of Iran, and from 1851 to 1860, he taught medicine at the Dar-al- Fonoon." Dr. Zali said.
he added: "Dar-al- Fonoon (Polytechnic College) marked the beginning of modern education in Iran and its Medical Department which was highly inspired by Austrian instructors, contributed to flourishing and enriching of medical education in our country that led to the establishment of medical faculty in Iran in 1918."
Mr. Stift mentioned that it has been a long history of cooperation between two nations and Austrians have been inspired by Iranian rich culture as well.
Dr. Zali agreed with Austrian Ambassador and added:"Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council (IRIMC) aims to enhance academic relations in all medical fields between Iranian & Austrian health care professionals."
"As IRIMC represents almost all Iranian health care professionals and due its independent nature, it is the main body which can effectively promote and facilitate academic, educational, and research cooperation between Iranian & Austrian medical, dental, and pharmaceutical professionals." IRIMC president said.
Mr. Stift who was very pleased to meet with IRIMC president, expressed his willingness to advance mutual relations between health care professionals of two countries.
IRIMC future plans were discussed in detail by IRIMC official bodies which was highly welcomed by His Excellency and Austrian officials in the meeting. They expressed their willingness to promote the proclaimed projects.
IRIMC senior delegation and Austrian Ambassador came to several agreements which will be announced subsequently.

Dr. Zali highly appreciated the hospitality of His Excellency Mr. Stift and the opportunity to have such warm and productive discussion.

IRIMC president was joined in the meeting by Deputy for Education & Research, Councilor of International Affairs, Director of international Affairs, and CEO of Jam Hospital.

Dr. Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs