TEHRAN – Science Minister Hossain Shimaei Saraf discussed ways to promote scientific and technical relations at separate meetings between his Indonesian and Tunisian counterparts.
Officials met bystanders at the second ministerial meeting of the Islamic Cooperative Organization (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform.
On Tuesday, the Indonesian delegation led by Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and Technology Brian Yuriart visited Tehran University’s Technology Park to get acquainted with the results of knowledge-based companies in a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, biotechnology and industry.
Following this, Yurialto held a meeting with Shimaei Saraf to emulate Iran’s achievements in Indonesia’s technology parks and advocate for the preparation to implement the successful experience of Indonesia’s Ministry of Science.
The authorities also announced their willingness to benefit from the joint partnership to implement collaborative research projects in the fields of industry, medical devices, vaccines, artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.
Regarding Indonesia’s population and population of over 280 million and the country’s performance in the agricultural sector, including the large-scale production of rice in the New Year, officials stressed that they are ready to share these Indonesian experiences with Iran.
Exchange professors and graduate students and paying for a visit to the science centre was among other issues that both parties discussed.
Simaei-Sarraf highlighted the capabilities of both countries of AI and proposed to develop a joint network to promote technological advances in both countries using available data.
Officials have expressed their readiness to expand scientific ties between the two countries and invited Indonesia to invest in the science and technology sector. The establishment of a joint technology park and the provision of necessary technical consultations were also discussed.
Iranian officials also held a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Science and Research, and Monda Bereid of Shimaei Saraf. Both sides have strengthened science and technology cooperation, expanded relations between universities, and strengthened signing memorandums on science.
Simaei-Sarraf has granted scholarships to Tunisian students, expressing that Iran is ready to build a basis for the presence of Tunisian professors and students, particularly in Arabic and literature. He also proposed to rely on Iran’s capabilities to establish a joint technology park.
The authorities agreed to establish a working group to coordinate the implementation of the contract by holding online sessions in the near future.
Second Ministerial Conference of OIC-15
The second ministerial meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform took place from May 17th to 19th.
The theme of the three-day meeting focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and was entitled “AI: A Excellence Strategy, Science and Technology Innovation Using the Bright Future of the Islamic World.”
The event served as a platform to promote regional cooperation by strengthening scientific diplomacy. It also provided an opportunity to review and discuss issues in Islamic countries in the technology sector, the IRNA reported.
The conference was primarily focused on AI in higher education and focused on challenges and opportunities, as well as the impact of AI on economic development. Additionally, the first multilateral document (AI) on artificial intelligence in Islamic countries was scheduled to be approved during the meeting.
On May 17, participants discussed and exchanged the opinions of AI, and the delegation’s director presented a speech. The Minister of Science or his representatives then held a bilateral meeting.
On the bystanders of the event, an exhibition of Iran’s achievements in the science, technology and AI sectors was held to showcase the capabilities of knowledge-based companies.
The OIC is the second largest organization after the UN, with membership in 57 states spread across four continents.
In 2016, the OIC Dialogue Platform initiative was proposed by Kazakhstan, with 15 major countries including Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia taking part in the technology.
The initiative was approved at the 46th and 47th meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in 2018 and 2019.
The platform aims to enhance the scientific and technological potential of Islamic nations and provide solutions to challenges in these areas, including the environment and energy.
Expertise in science, technology and innovation, systematic challenges identification, development of solutions, and strengthening strategic partnerships between participating countries and international partners are the main goals of the OIC.
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