TEHRAN -- The Head of the Iranian Delegation of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Ja'far Mili Monfared, stressed in Islamabad on Monday the need to increase scientific, technological and information cooperation between Islamic countries.

Ja'fari, who is the deputy minister of science, research and technology, said that scientific cooperation is one of the main priorities for expanding cooperation between Islamic countries.

He added that cooperation in science and technology is necessary for stable development of Islamic countries and that all states without political differences can participate.

Ja'fari said that Islamic countries should do everything in their power to prevent the brain drain phenomenon and to make use of the skilled work force of the Islamic world.

The 10th General Assembly meeting of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) began in Islamabad on Saturday evening.

Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf attended the opening ceremony.

The meeting finalized a strategy for a unified plan for development of science and technology in the Islamic world.

COMSTECH has formulated programs worth over $15 million for the years 2002 and 2003. Held in Athens