TEHRAN – Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf and his Armenian counterpart, Zhanna Andreasyan, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) here on Monday to expand scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Highlighting the historical commonalities between Iran and Armenia, the Armenian official proposed boosting scientific collaborations through conducting joint research projects. Andreasyan also announced Armenia's readiness to enhance cooperation focusing on Iranology and teaching Persian language, msrt.ir reported..

Referring to the establishment of the academic city of Armenia, the official said we are developing new scientific legislation to foster the link between science and research. The main objective is to increase efficiency and scientific competitions. Armenia is planning to attract foreign students to this center. She went on to invite Iran to participate in a conference that will be held on the mentioned issue.

For his part, Simaei-Sarraf announced his willingness to share expertise on technology parks and knowledge-based companies with Armenia.

The official welcomed the idea of collaborating on joint scientific research and exchanging professors and students.

The two sides agreed to form a workgroup to follow up on the agreements, address challenges, and facilitate the implementation of the signed MOU.

During the meeting, the head of the Iran-Armenia Friendship Group, Ara Shaverdyan, voiced readiness to lay the ground for the expansion of the interactions between the two nations, and the head of the Organization of Students Affairs, Saeed Habiba, for his part, said that 217 Iranian students are studying in Armenia and we expect Armenian students to study in Iran, as well.

Iran highlights fostering ties with neighboring countries

In May, Farhad Yazdandoost, an official with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, said the current administration places a priority on fostering scientific collaborations with neighboring countries.

The high capacities of the neighboring countries, on one hand, and their need to import Iran’s science and technology, on the other hand, will lay the basis for the expansion of relations, IRNA quoted  Yazdandoost as saying.

The official went on to say that since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country has made great strides in promoting science, technology, and higher education; it has further demonstrated these accomplishments through interactions with universities around the world. A prime example of that is the Iranian scientific elites, their achievements, and status abroad.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration is trying to restart and promote collaborative efforts with countries where developing science is on the agenda.

Hence, scientific communication is not just limited to neighboring countries, he stated. “We are strengthening scientific and international partnerships with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

We are also planning to develop ties with some non-neighboring countries that rely on external scientific support, and import scientific knowledge to share our expertise with them.

Cooperating with Asian leading countries in science like China and South Korea, as well as African and South American countries, will help them get familiar with Iran’s potential, which will definitely bring about favorable results,” the official noted.

MT/MG