Vienna: Labor Minister Dr. Mohammad Haidar participated in a scientific forum organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on its "Rays of Hope" initiative and Anchor Centres, stressing the importance of international cooperation in expanding access to advanced and equitable cancer care.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Haidar attended the forum alongside Lebanon's Ambassador to Vienna Cynthia Chidiac and Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission Director Dr. Bilal Nsouli. Addressing the gathering on behalf of Lebanon, Haidar said the impact of cancer extends beyond healthcare to social and economic life, affecting patients' families, employment and livelihoods. Strengthening cancer care, he said, also means helping patients preserve their dignity and return to their professional and social lives whenever their health permits.

He highlighted Lebanon's longstanding partnership with the IAEA in technical assistance, training and capacity-building, noting that despite economic crises and difficult regional conditions, the country has maintained significant expertise in nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and cancer care. Haidar described the "Rays of Hope" initiative as an opportunity for Lebanon both to strengthen its medical and scientific capabilities and to contribute its expertise to capacity-building across the region, drawing on the country's specialized medical and academic institutions.

He reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to continued cooperation with the IAEA, saying the true measure of such initiatives lies in their ability to "save lives, provide treatment to patients, help workers regain their ability to earn a living and give families hope." Haidar traveled to Vienna from Cairo for the forum and is expected to return to the Egyptian capital to continue his visit, including sponsoring and addressing a seminar organized by the Arab Social Security Association.