The session began with an introduction to Razi Institute, followed by an overview of its production and research activities. The history of correspondence between the two institutes was highlighted, laying the groundwork for potential collaborative projects.

Key areas of potential collaboration discussed included:

Establishing Bilateral Cooperation: A proposal was made to connect the Razi Institute's Reference Laboratory for Sheep and Goat with ARRIAH's equivalent laboratory, underscoring both institutes' mutual interest in fostering collaboration.

Laboratory Twinning: Participants explored the possibility of establishing a twinning arrangement between the two centers following World Health Organization (WHO) regulations.

Joint Projects and Vaccine Strain Exchange: The institutes examined opportunities for defining joint projects and exchanging vaccine strains while ensuring compliance with both parties' regulations and requirements.

Dr. Lebedev expressed his center's enthusiasm for collaboration with Razi Institute, concluding the meeting with plans for a follow-up video conference involving the leadership and specialists from both institutes after the BWC session.

Founded in 1958 as a foot-and-mouth disease research institution, ARRIAH has operated under Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) since 2004. Over the years, its focus has expanded to address economically significant diseases affecting birds, pigs, cattle, and small ruminants, among others. Recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ARRIAH holds several international designations, including regional reference laboratory status for foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza.

This meeting marks a significant advancement in the fight against biological threats, fostering collaboration that may set a precedent for future partnerships in veterinary research and public health.