TEHRAN – Dalib Shahruk Hozakbarovich, the first vice minister of higher education, science and innovation in Uzbekistan, called for Iranian universities and scientific institutions to support the development of technology and innovation in Uzbekistan, saying face-to-face intersections between scientific civil servants are far more effective than diplomatic communication.
Uzbek officials made their remarks at a meeting Saturday with Farhad Yazdandoost, head of the Ministry of Science and Research and Technology, the IRNA reported.
During the meeting, the two staff discussed the possibility of developing scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Officials said the cooperation could be focused on sharing expertise and expanding scientific cooperation between university prime ministers and expanding joint funding in the technical field.
Yazdandoorst detailed the scientific achievements and significant growth of student numbers following the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Over 60 Science and Technology Parks operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology. He said, “We also plan to attract around 300,000 foreign students with a five-year plan.”
The formula emphasized that cooperation between the two countries could include conducting joint research, exchanging students and professors, and holding joint sports activities for students.
Yazdandoorst also invited Uzbekistan’s Minister of Science to participate in the second ministerial meeting of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC)–15 Dialogue Platform, which is scheduled to be hosted by Tehran.
*****Strengthen the relationship between health, education and technology
In November 2024, Uzbekistan expressed interest in strengthening its cooperation with Iran in a variety of fields, including health, education and technology.
The country called on Iran’s health sector to provide online consultations to Uzbekistani experts and establish a direct link between health professionals from both countries.
At a conference held in Tehran on November 6th, Fazliddin Mumuminov, head of the organization for the development of international cooperation in science and technology and vice president of international cooperation in Uzbekistan, discussed ways to expand scientific and collaborative efforts.
Expanding cooperation in the field of science, exchanging students and professors, promoting collaboration between knowledge-based companies, participating in science and technology events, including technology exhibitions, and holding joint seminars, conferences and symposias was one of the most important focuses of the conference.
Iran praises Iran’s high capabilities in science and knowledge-based companies, saying it is a powerful and prominent country in the region with high strategic capabilities in knowledge and technology. By integrating Iran’s capabilities with Uzbekistan’s capabilities, both countries will benefit from incredible progress.
“There is the ability to increase cooperation in education, interaction between professors and academics from both countries, replacement of test equipment, and exchange of technical knowledge-based products,” he added.
Officials further noted that interactions between officials and representatives from both countries need to be followed up to pave the way for effective collaboration.
Roozbeh said there is a strong connection between the two countries in terms of history, culture and shared identity.
Supporting interactions between universities in both countries will encourage the implementation of joint activities.
Iran is willing to share science and technology expertise with Uzbekistan as well as education.
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