Tehran Expands Technological Cooperation with Tunisia and Jakarta for Enhanced Innovation

Tehran Expands Technological Cooperation with Tunisia and Jakarta for Enhanced Innovation

TEHRAN – In a significant move to enhance scientific and technological relations, Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf engaged in fruitful discussions with his Indonesian and Tunisian counterparts. This collaboration took place during the second Ministerial Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-15) Dialogue Platform.

On Tuesday, an Indonesian delegation led by Brian Yuliarto, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, visited the technology park at the University of Tehran. This visit aimed to familiarize the delegation with the impressive achievements of Iran’s knowledge-based companies across various sectors, including engineering, medicine, biotechnology, and industry.

During the meeting, Yuliarto expressed Indonesia’s eagerness to emulate Iran’s technological successes and implement the successful experiences of the Ministry of Science in Indonesia. He highlighted Indonesia’s readiness to participate in collaborative partnerships for joint research projects focusing on:

  • Industry
  • Medical equipment
  • Vaccines
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Biotechnology

Yuliarto also emphasized Indonesia’s agricultural achievements, particularly its large-scale rice production, and expressed a willingness to share these experiences with Iran. The two officials discussed several collaborative initiatives, including:

  • Exchanging professors and postgraduate students
  • Visiting scientific centers

For his part, Simaei-Sarraf underscored the potential for collaboration in AI, proposing the creation of a joint network to promote technological advancement in both countries. He extended an invitation to Indonesia to invest in science and technology sectors and discussed plans to establish joint technology parks, as well as provide necessary technical consultations.

Additionally, Simaei-Sarraf met with Mondher Belaid, the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation, enhancing university ties, and signing a memorandum of understanding on science.

Simaei-Sarraf expressed Iran’s willingness to offer scholarships to Tunisian students and to facilitate the presence of Tunisian professors and students, especially in Arabic language and literature. He proposed the establishment of a joint technology park leveraging Iran’s capabilities.

To coordinate the implementation of these agreements, the officials agreed to form a working group that will conduct online sessions in the near future.

2nd Ministerial Meeting of OIC-15

The Second Ministerial Meeting of the OIC-15 Dialogue Platform took place from May 17 to 19, focusing on the theme of artificial intelligence (AI). The event was titled ‘Innovation in Science and Technology through using AI: A strategy for excellence, a bright future for the Islamic World,’ as reported by IRNA.

This meeting served as a crucial platform for fostering regional cooperation and strengthening scientific diplomacy among Islamic nations. It also provided an opportunity to address and discuss the challenges faced by these nations in the technology sector.

The agenda concentrated on AI in higher education, examining both the challenges and opportunities it presents, as well as its economic impact. Notably, the meeting was set to approve the first multilateral document on artificial intelligence among Islamic countries.

On the first day of the event, participants engaged in discussions about AI, with heads of delegations delivering talks. Following this, science ministers or their representatives conducted bilateral meetings to explore collaborative opportunities.

In conjunction with the meeting, an exhibition showcased Iran’s achievements in science, technology, and AI, highlighting the capabilities of knowledge-based companies.

The OIC is the second-largest organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states across four continents. The initiative for the OIC Dialogue Platform was introduced by Kazakhstan in 2016, with participation from 15 leading technology countries, including Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia. This initiative received approval during the 46th and 47th meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers in 2018 and 2019.

The primary goal of the platform is to enhance the scientific and technical capabilities of Islamic states while providing solutions to challenges in various fields, such as the environment and energy. Key objectives include:

  • Sharing expertise in science, technology, and innovation
  • Identifying systematic challenges and developing solutions
  • Strengthening strategic partnerships among member states and international partners

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Islamic nations to advance in science and technology, ensuring a brighter future for their societies.

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