Representatives from the Fergana Region and the Henan Academy of Sciences in China held discussions on the directions for developing scientific and innovative interaction. The discussed areas include joint research, specialist training, and the implementation of modern agricultural technologies.
The First Deputy Hokim of the Fergana Region, Mirzohid Ubaydullaev, met with a delegation from the Henan Academy of Sciences, headed by Chief Engineer Gao Yang.
The parties agreed to create a common scientific platform, train highly qualified personnel, and implement innovative projects in the field of agriculture. Special attention was paid to the application of digital technologies in the agrarian sector.
During the negotiations, the use of smart irrigation systems, artificial intelligence capabilities, and the creation of a laboratory for mineral composition analysis were discussed. Additionally, participants exchanged views on the development of livestock and poultry farming based on scientific principles.
During a working trip to Afghanistan, the Governor of the Fergana Region, Khayrullo Bozorov, held a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade of Afghanistan, Nuruddin Azizi. The prospects for deepening economic cooperation and opening the Trade House of the Fergana Region in Kabul were discussed.
Participants noted that in recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have been strengthening, as well as the development of mutual trust, trade, and economic ties between the two countries.
According to representatives, establishing the Trade House of the Fergana Region in Kabul would open up additional opportunities for entrepreneurs, contribute to increasing bilateral trade, and allow for the establishment of new business contacts.
The parties also focused on expanding interaction between the Fergana Region and Afghanistan in areas such as agriculture, export of fruits and vegetables, logistics, electrical engineering industry, and other sectors.
Furthermore, a plan was discussed to increase supplies to the Afghan market of food products, flour and grain, textiles and ready-made clothing, construction materials, and pharmaceutical products.
The Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Hossein Simai-Sarraf, and the Pakistani Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met to explore opportunities for deepening scientific and academic ties between the two countries.
The officials held talks on Thursday during the sidelines of the Sixth Meeting of the Ministers of Science of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation (ECO) in Islamabad. Discussions focused on strengthening relations through mutual scholarships, exchange of postgraduate students and researchers, and joint work on common issues such as climate change.
The Iranian representative highly appreciated Pakistan's support to the country during the recent war between the US and Israel. Simai-Sarraf expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a significant stage in the development of academic interaction between Iran and Pakistan, citing the religious, cultural, historical, and geographical commonalities of the two states. He also detailed the possibilities and potential of Iranian universities, research centers, and technology parks.
For his part, Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized the fraternal relationship between the nations, stating that since the recent critical situation strengthened the ties between Pakistan and Iran, cooperation needs to be deepened across various sectors.
During the meeting with the Iranian delegation on Tuesday, Maqbool Siddiqui highlighted the importance of bilateral ties, noting that Islamabad intends to develop scientific and technological diplomacy with Tehran. Key discussion topics included improving cooperation in teacher training, curriculum development, digital education, artificial intelligence, educational technologies, technical and vocational training, joint research initiatives, as well as the exchange of professors and students.
The parties also expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between higher education institutions of Pakistan and Iran, including the National University of Modern Languages (NUML). Similar cooperation was also encouraged between other universities and research organizations. Other topics discussed included promoting joint research projects, holding academic conferences, developing innovative partnerships, and providing scholarship opportunities to strengthen academic bonds and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Siddiqui noted that Pakistan is ready to implement the decisions made by the joint commission on education with Iran and to translate the shared vision of both countries into tangible practical results. He stressed that the long-standing fraternal relationship between Iran and Pakistan is a key factor in maintaining institutional interaction in solving common educational challenges and promoting scientific development.
In turn, Simai-Sarraf stated that expanding cooperation between the higher education and scientific institutions of the two countries would further deepen relations and contribute to regional development through innovation, research, and academic interaction. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination between their ministries and scientific and technical institutions, and to explore new areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening public ties, enhancing academic interaction, and promoting sustainable development through education, science, and research.
The Minister of Science attended the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting of the ECO Science Fund at the sixth ECO ministerial meeting. This event brought together ministers, distinguished scientists, and senior officials from ECO member states to discuss the promotion of science, technology, and innovation, as well as to mobilize resources for transformative regional projects aimed at solving common development problems in the ECO region. The sixth BoT meeting reviewed a comprehensive agenda covering project implementation progress, financial oversight, and organizational restructuring. The Council conducted a detailed review of the implementation of previous BoT decisions and approved the work plan for the coming year, thereby strengthening the operational continuity of the institute. The election of the next President of the ECO Science Fund, currently headed by Kamel Tayebi from Iran, was also on the agenda. During his three-day visit, Simai-Sarraf met with the Pakistani Minister of Science and Technology and the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), visited several leading universities in Islamabad, toured the ECO Science Fund, and discussed matters with Persian language professors.
