ICT Minister Embarks on Key Diplomatic Mission to Serbia
Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Seyed Sattar Hashemi, departed from Tehran to Belgrade on Tuesday, embarking on a significant journey aimed at enhancing technology diplomacy. This visit comes at the official invitation of Serbia’s Minister of Information and Telecommunications, Dejan Ristic, and marks a pivotal moment in Iranian-European ICT relations.
Hashemi’s trip is notable as it represents the first visit by a senior Iranian official in the field of ICT to Europe in a decade. The primary objectives of this visit are to:
- Strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as new communication technologies and artificial intelligence.
- Pursue the strategic goals of the ICT Ministry focused on developing international relations.
- Engage in specialized negotiations leading to the signing of a joint cooperation document in information and communication technology.
During his stay, Hashemi is scheduled to hold two key meetings with his Serbian counterpart, culminating in the formalization of an agreement. The main provisions of this agreement include:
- Development of joint projects in artificial intelligence.
- Launching and enhancing cloud infrastructure.
- Exchange of technical expertise in new technologies.
In addition to the meetings, Hashemi plans to visit advanced data centers and artificial intelligence facilities in Serbia. He will also engage in discussions with senior officials about new communication technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. This three-day visit is designed to:
- Familiarize the Iranian delegation with Serbia’s achievements in becoming a technological hub in the Balkan region.
- Explore common areas of cooperation between Iran and Serbia.
The high-level official meetings reflect the commitment of both Tehran and Belgrade to prioritize communication and technological collaboration as a core component of their bilateral relations. Serbia is positioned as a crucial gateway for the Islamic Republic of Iran to access European technology markets.
Experts view this visit as a significant step towards expanding Iran’s technological footprint in Europe and attracting foreign investment in sectors such as startups, cybersecurity, and communications infrastructure.
