During the meeting, held at the IRCS Peace Building on Saturday, August 22, Pir Hossein Kolivand, President of the IRCS, stated: “Whenever a disaster occurs, we are consistently among the first National Societies to declare our readiness to assist.”

He added, “Over the past few years, including during crises such as the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Afghanistan, floods in Pakistan and Libya, and the recent conflict in Lebanon, we have been among the first Societies to provide aid to those affected.”

Dr. Kolivand emphasized that the Iranian Red Crescent remains committed to providing unconditional assistance while strictly preserving human dignity.

“These two pillars are of paramount importance to us. In our collaborations with other National Societies, we have always endeavored to uphold these values and remain committed to them ourselves.”

The President of the IRCS also extended his appreciation to the Norwegian Red Cross and other National Societies that sent humanitarian contributions to Iran following the recent air attacks by the United States and Israel, noting that the IRCS had not formally requested assistance.

Dr. Kolivand noted that challenging times are the true test of a National Society’s character and its dedication to humanitarian principles.

“One of our core principles is to support one another during crises,” he said. “However, even in non-crisis times, fostering synergy will yield significant achievements for both parties. That is why I believe National Societies require a new strategic transformation, firmly grounded in the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.”

 

Norwegian Red Cross Emphasizes Importance of Direct Engagement with IRCS

 

For his part, Ahmad Motavalli, Representative for the Middle East and North Africa Region Norwegian Red Cross Society, said that the direct meeting was highly significant. 

“You have navigated through very challenging days in terms of responding to humanitarian needs.” he said. “I would like to express the solidarity of the Norwegian Red Cross with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, its staff, and the volunteers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as with their families.”

Dr. Motavalli,‎ pointing to the strong relationship between the National Societies of Norway and the Islamic Republic of Iran, rooted in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and their sisterhood agreement, emphasized the importance of mutual support among National Societies.”

Motavalli stated that the purpose of the three-day visit to Iran was to operationalize future humanitarian action and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Norwegian Red Cross, which focuses on long-term operations across the Middle East and North Africa, established an office in Ramallah in 2024 in response to the critical situation in Palestine. This office has prioritized health, emergency medical services, and trauma care in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Furthermore, the organization has maintained a presence in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan, where it continues to carry out humanitarian activities guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.

During the war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel from 28 February to 7 April 2026, the Norwegian Red Cross donated CHF 800,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Iran.

 

Iranian Red Crescent, Norwegian Red Cross Move to Operationalize Geneva MoU

 

Moreover, in this meeting, Razieh Alishavandi, Under Secretary General for International Affairs and International Humanitarian Law of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, expressed hope that the visit of the Norwegian delegation to Iran would pave the way for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two National Societies, which was exchanged in Geneva.

Emphasizing the need to translate the MoU into practical and measurable cooperation, she announced the Iranian Red Crescent Society’s readiness to develop a Joint Action Plan in priority areas.

Alishavandi further proposed that the two sides identify several specific priorities and draw up an implementation plan and timeline for cooperation in areas such as disaster management, relief and rescue, health and rehabilitation, training, as well as youth and volunteer programmes.