TEHRAN – Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand science diplomacy and promote international scientific and research cooperation.

The MOU was signed by the chancellors of the two institutions, aiming to conduct joint research projects, and organize scientific events, msrt.ir reported.

The two sides will also conduct educational cooperation in plant-based food process engineering, develop related science and technologies, empower industrial development, and improve quality throughout the entire food and pharmaceutical industries.

Strategic partnership

Iranian universities are exploring the potential for developing scientific and research collaborations with Chinese and Russian institutions under the strategic partnership with the two countries.

During a meeting held on April 11, 2025, in China, Saeed Habiba, the deputy minister of science, research, and technology, and Sheng Jianxue, the secretary-general of the China Scholarship Council, discussed ways for developing scientific cooperation between the universities of the two countries.

The meeting centered around holding joint academic courses, exchanging professors and students, growing government scholarship programs, expanding technological ties, scientific interactions, and sharing expertise.

During the meeting, Habiba elaborated on the academic and scientific potentials and capacities of Iran.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Iranian official also paid a visit to one of the Chinese technology parks to become more familiar with their technological capacities and scientific achievements.

Iran and China officially signed the document for 25-year comprehensive cooperation in March 2021.

The document was signed between Iran’s then Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Back in December 2022, Iran and China finalized 16 memoranda of understanding under the framework of the two countries’ strategic 25-year agreement.

MT/MG