Tehran and Belgrade Explore Innovative ICT Cooperation Strategies
In a recent development, Iranian and Serbian officials have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector. This collaboration seeks to implement previously established agreements, marking a significant step forward in international ICT relations.
From February 25 to 27, an Iranian delegation led by ICT Minister Sattar Hashemi visited Belgrade at the invitation of his Serbian counterpart, Dejan Ristic. During this visit, the officials signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering cooperation in various ICT fields.
Following the visit, a virtual meeting took place on Tuesday, focusing on several key areas:
- Data transfer and security
- Collaboration between private sectors
- Exchange of expertise in innovation, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and platform economy
Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of leveraging their mutual experiences to enhance cooperation. To ensure the effective implementation of the agreements, it was decided to establish technical working groups comprising government institutions and private sectors from both nations. These groups will be tasked with developing a roadmap for future collaboration and identifying feasible bilateral projects.
During the discussions, Ristic praised Iran’s advancements in space communication, particularly in designing, building, and launching sensing and communication satellites. He noted that the meeting with Hashemi specifically focused on:
- Establishing and enhancing cooperation in scientific and research activities
- Developing a 5G network
“We agreed to set up several joint teams as early as after next week to define mechanisms for stepping up cooperation in the IT sector, postal traffic, and e-commerce,” Ristic stated.
Hashemi also expressed optimism regarding the signed memorandum, viewing it as a pivotal advancement in their cooperative efforts. “This document creates a platform and frameworks for joint investment, development, and research,” he stated.
Iran’s Commitment to Regional AI Cooperation
Iran has positioned itself as a key player in the regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) value chain, focusing on fostering cooperation that drives economic growth and unity. Hashemi articulated Iran’s commitment to building a future where AI facilitates regional prosperity during the Iran Corridor 2025 conference held in Dubai.
He emphasized Iran’s significant role in the Persian Gulf’s digital landscape, stating that the country is ready to initiate collaboration with regional states regarding AI advancements. “Our country’s mobile phone operators and thriving digital platforms, like Snapp! and Digikala, serve over 30 million users and provide a rich source of data essential for AI development,” Hashemi noted, as reported by Press TV.
Despite the challenges posed by economic sanctions, Iran has managed to cultivate a resilient fintech ecosystem that continues to innovate and adapt. “Our academic and research capabilities have placed us at the forefront of AI advancements. In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region for both the number and quality of scientific papers in AI, showcasing our commitment to research and development,” Hashemi added.
Hashemi further highlighted Iran’s standing in the AI sector:
- Second position in the region for the number of AI developers
- Fourth position in the region for the number of AI firms
He emphasized that Iran’s skilled workforce, available at competitive costs, represents a strategic advantage, making the country a valuable partner in regional AI initiatives.
Future Prospects for AI in the Persian Gulf
According to Hashemi, by fostering environments conducive to collaboration and investment, the Persian Gulf region can become a powerhouse of AI excellence, attracting global tech giants while enhancing intraregional partnerships for shared prosperity. He proposed several strategies to unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth:
- Establishing AI acceleration hubs
- Facilitating joint investments in free zones
- Enhancing academic collaboration and elite exchange programs
“These initiatives can help us harness our collective potential and drive forward the region’s technological landscape,” Hashemi concluded.
In summary, the discussions between Iranian and Serbian officials reflect a broader commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the ICT and AI sectors. As both nations seek to leverage their strengths, the future looks promising for collaborative efforts aimed at technological advancement and economic development.
