Uzbekistan and Iran Forge Stronger Bonds to Enhance Children’s Education
In a significant development for scientific collaboration between Uzbekistan and Iran, the Uzbek Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Kongratbay Sharipov, recently emphasized the importance of enhancing educational ties, especially in children’s education. This dialogue took place during a meeting with Iran’s Science Minister, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, on the sidelines of the 9th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Education Ministers, which occurred on May 12 and 13 in Urumqi, China.
During the meeting, Sharipov highlighted the initiatives already in place, particularly referring to a joint technology park established in Uzbekistan. He expressed a strong desire to expand these technological centers further, according to reports from IRNA.
Some key points discussed in the meeting included:
- The importance of strengthening scientific and technological collaborations between Uzbekistan and Iran.
- The existence of a prior agreement between Sharif University of Technology and Uzbekistan, which opens the door for further collaboration.
- Sharipov’s optimism regarding cultural commonalities that can enhance bilateral ties.
On the other side, Simaei-Sarraf emphasized the necessity of establishing more technology parks and international innovation zones through collaborative efforts. He took the opportunity to invite Sharipov to participate in the upcoming 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform, scheduled to take place in Tehran from May 18 to 20.
The 9th Meeting of SCO Education Ministers was a notable event attended by education ministers, experts, and scientists from SCO member states, focusing on enhancing educational contacts within the organization.
As part of the activities during the meeting, Simaei-Sarraf visited an exhibition entitled ‘Study in China, Brand Identity and Comprehensive Service Platform’. This exhibition showcased the latest educational, research, and technological achievements from over 20 Chinese universities across various sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Oil
- Petrochemicals
The exhibition aimed to strengthen the relationship between industries and universities, which is vital for both educational and economic growth. Other science ministers from SCO member states, including China, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, also attended the exhibition.
Additionally, the official participated in the opening ceremony of the ‘China-Central Asia Industrial, Educational, and Applied Research Cooperation 2025 Conference’. This conference gathered science ministers from various SCO member states, presenting an opportunity for further collaboration.
In a related context, earlier in April, Daliv Shahrukh Khozhakbarovich, Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, urged Iranian universities and scientific institutions to collaborate in developing technology and innovation in Uzbekistan. He noted that direct interactions between scientific officials are often more effective than traditional diplomatic channels.
This call for collaboration took place during a meeting with Farhad Yazdandoost, the head of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, on April 19, as reported by IRNA. The discussion revolved around the potential for scientific and technological collaborations between the two countries.
Key points from this meeting include:
- Emphasizing the sharing of expertise between the two nations.
- Expanding scientific collaborations among university chancellors.
- Joint funding opportunities in technological fields.
Yazdandoost also elaborated on Iran’s scientific achievements and highlighted the significant increase in the number of students pursuing higher education since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. He mentioned that over sixty science and technology parks are currently operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
Furthermore, Yazdandoost stated, “We’re also planning to attract about 300,000 foreign students as part of a five-year plan.” This plan underscores the commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering international collaborations.
The potential areas for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Iran include:
- Joint research initiatives.
- Exchanges of students and professors.
- Organizing joint sports activities for students.
Overall, the discussions between the two countries’ officials reflect a commitment to strengthen their scientific and technological ties, which can significantly impact the educational landscape in both nations.
