TEHRAN – In order to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and strengthen regional exchanges in the field of information, communications and technology (ICT), ICT Minister Sattar Hashemi held talks with the ministers of Tajikistan and Pakistan.
The meetings were held on the sidelines of the World Telecommunications Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 17 to 28, ISNA reported.
In a meeting with Hashemi, Isfandiyor Sadullo, head of Tajikistan’s Communications Authority, said that expanding technological and telecommunications cooperation with Iran is one of Dushanbe’s top priorities. The ICT Ministry website reported that the prime minister announced that Tajikistan is interested in benefiting from Iran’s expertise in infrastructure development, fiber optic expansion and 5G network deployment.
The official mentioned Tajikistan’s plans to increase network capacity and provide sustainable connectivity to regional routes, and suggested exploring the possibility of “co-production of optical fiber in Tajikistan,” relying on Iran’s technological and industrial capabilities.
Mr. Hashemi expressed readiness to share knowledge and experience with Tajikistan in optical fiber expansion, 5G launch, and management of large-scale projects in the ICT field.
In order to promote scientific and educational exchanges between the universities of the two countries, at the request of Tajikistan officials, he proposed implementing joint educational courses in telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT). Hashemi also called for the immediate implementation of a comprehensive memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries a year ago.
Mr. Hashemi, who met with Pakistan’s Federal Minister of IT and Telecommunications, emphasized the important roles of Iran and Pakistan in South and West Asia and said the two countries should leverage their common capabilities to establish secure and sustainable communication routes.
The official elaborated on Iran’s expertise in ICT and recommended strengthening cooperation through sharing technical knowledge, developing border optical connectivity, establishing Internet traffic exchange centers, and cooperating in developing new data transfer routes.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja called Iran a leading country in expanding digital infrastructure and services and said that Islamabad is ready to promote cooperation with Iran in the ICT field.
Pakistan intends to leverage Iran’s experience in developing national information networks, managing information sustainability and countering cyber attacks, it added.
Islamabad calls Iran a leading country in expanding digital infrastructure and services and is ready to promote cooperation with Iran in the ICT field.
WTDC-25 will be held under the theme “Universal, Meaningful and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future”.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Hashemi will hold meetings with his counterparts and a number of other high-level representatives to share expertise and promote technical cooperation in various areas such as fiber optic networks, G5 technology, and AI.
The official has previously organized meetings with officials from Algeria and Kenya to discuss ways to increase synergies to develop markets and promote cooperation on smart government, space industry, digital economy and cybersecurity.
Hashemi also met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), on the sidelines of WTDC-25.
Officials discussed ways to foster cooperation in a variety of areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), communications infrastructure, digital multilateralism, and communications security.
During the meeting, Hashemi explained the country’s achievements in information technology, AI and communications. He emphasized the role of the ITU as a major platform for global coordination, and said that promoting multilateralism and fostering cooperation with specialized institutions are among the priorities of Iran’s digital foreign policy.
Bogdan-Martin praised Iran’s active participation in ITU meetings, committees and programs, saying that Iran is one of the influential members in policy-making and technical discussions.
He noted that the regular attendance of Iranian experts and the quality of their participation in meetings play an important role in pursuing the ITU’s goals.
She expressed the Union’s readiness to expand relationships in technical skills development, workforce empowerment and knowledge exchange in emerging technologies through joint efforts.
MT/MG