TEHRAN – Iranian and Belarusian officials have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand educational, research, and technological collaborations.
The MOU is centered around exchanging students and professors, providing sabbatical leaves for scholars and students, mutual recognition of academic qualifications, official recognition of universities and higher education institutions, and the expansion of technological cooperation, ISNA reported.
Establishment and development of science and technology parks in fields that can enhance scientific interactions, research, and innovations, particularly medicinal plants, were also included in the MOU.
The MOU was signed on the sidelines of the tenth meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Education Ministers, which took place in Minsk, Belarus, on June 16 and 17.
Before the tenth meeting, Belarusian Education Minister Andrey Ivanets held a meeting with Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf. The official hoped the meeting would lay the ground for the expansion of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
The Iranian minister, for his part, highlighted the strategic standing of the SCO and called for the enhancement of collaborations among member states in the technology sector to meet the shared needs of each nation.
In May, Ivanets, in a phone call with Simaei-Sarraf, announced his country’s willingness to promote scientific and educational ties with Iran.
He expressed solidarity with Iranians following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, and voiced readiness to expand cooperation with Iran through conducting joint research projects and exchanging students, IRNA reported.
Highlighting Iran’s scientific capacities, Simaei-Sarraf said Iran’s higher education system primarily focuses on the development of technology and innovation, noting that 160 science and technology parks are operating in the country, currently.
The official invited Ivanets to pay a visit to Iran and become more familiar with science and technology parks as well as universities, which will contribute to the enhancement of ties.
Lauding Belarus expression of solidarity with Iran, Simaei-Sarraf said the aggressors did not only attack the country’s geographical borders, but also scientific borders targeting research centers, laboratories, and universities.
The official highlighted that attacks on scientific centers and educational institutions violate the International Humanitarian Law principle of distinction. He went on to propose the development of a joint document on safeguarding universities, higher education centers, and condemning any attack on science, scientists, and professors in the tenth meeting of the SCO Science Ministers.
MT/MG
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