In Tehran, representatives from the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) and Turkmenistan held a meeting to explore opportunities for strengthening scientific cooperation. The meeting took place between Zahra Sheikhi, Deputy of ACECR for Research and Technology, and Ilhas Gaipov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Iran.
Officials gathered in Tehran on Wednesday to discuss the development of a memorandum of understanding to implement agreements reached in the educational and technological spheres, according to the IRNA agency.
During the negotiations, the Turkmen ambassador outlined key areas for expanding bilateral partnership in science, education, and technology. Gaipov emphasized the potential for deepening cooperation through existing ties between the Murat Garriev State Medical University and the Turkmen State Agricultural University of Turkmenistan, as well as between the Iranian ministries of science and health in livestock farming and embryology.
He also noted that the admission of Turkmen students to medical universities in the cities of Bojnord and Birjand represents a significant opportunity to strengthen academic ties. One of the main focuses of the discussion was the development of cooperation in the medical field, especially in cancer treatment.
Highlighting the country's urgent need for advanced knowledge and equipment in medicine, one official stated that Turkmenistan will open its first two specialized cancer treatment centers on October 8. Gaipov expressed the country's interest in gaining experience and knowledge from experienced Iranian professors and doctors at these centers, proposing that ACECR organize specialized medical training courses for the staff of these centers.
The Turkmen official also called for closer interaction between the science and technology parks of the two countries. He highlighted the provinces of Khorasan Razavi and Golestan as important directions for Turkmen medical tourists and insisted on signing scientific memorandums of understanding to develop medical tourism.
For her part, Sheikhi presented the scientific achievements and capabilities of ACECR, emphasizing the potential for expanded cooperation with Turkmenistan in areas such as medicine, agriculture, natural resources, medicinal plants, and education. She also stated ACECR's readiness to share its technical expertise, participate in joint research projects, and contribute to the development of scientific infrastructure in Turkmenistan.
An official representative of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology stated that the current administration prioritizes the development of scientific ties with neighboring states. According to Farhad Yazdandoust, quoted by IRNA, the high potential of neighboring countries combined with their need to import Iranian science and technology will form the basis for expanding relations.
This official added that since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country has achieved significant success in promoting science, technology, and higher education, demonstrating these achievements through interaction with universities worldwide. An example of this is the achievements and status of the Iranian scientific elite abroad.
President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration seeks to resume and advance joint efforts with countries where scientific development is a priority. He specified that scientific communication is not limited only to neighboring states. 'We are strengthening scientific and international partnerships with CIS countries. We also plan to develop ties with some non-neighboring countries that depend on external scientific support and import scientific knowledge to share our experience with them,' he noted. He concluded that cooperation with leading Asian countries such as China and South Korea, as well as African and South American countries, will help them learn about Iran's potential, which will undoubtedly lead to favorable results.