TEHRAN – The Iranian deputy science minister, Vahid Haddadi-Asl, and the representative of the Syrian Higher Education Ministry, Fadia Yousef Deeb, discussed ways to enhance bilateral scientific research cooperation.

The meeting was held on Monday, December 18, within the framework of the first joint science and technology cooperation committee, attended by a Syrian delegation and representatives of Iran’s ministries of science and health.

Referring to the friendly relations between the two countries, Haddadi-Asl considered it necessary to develop and deepen scientific cooperation in the international arena, IRIB reported.

Collaboration in the fields of education, research, technology, and student exchange were among the important topics of discussion.

Yousef Deeb, for her part, acknowledging the capabilities of Iran in scientific developments, announced Syria’s readiness for scientific cooperation with Iran; she also stressed the importance of Iran's scientific experiences being shared with Syria.

She asked for a report on the process of establishing science and technology parks and the possibility of training Syrian science and technology managers in Iran or Syria.

Concerning Syria’s interest in enhancing technological and innovative cooperation with Iran, the deputy science minister for innovation and technology, Sajjad Mohammad-Ali Nejad, presented an account of the status of science and technology parks in Iran and the different stages of their establishment, including entrepreneurship centers in universities, technology incubators, which are responsible for training technicians to work in knowledge-based companies, and technology campus.

He went on to explain that Iran has managed to establish and expand science and technology parks without relying on other countries, and is willing to share its knowledge and experiences with Syria.

Iran to boost sci-tech co-op with Syria

On December 5, Mohammad-Reza Mohammadzadeh Attar, the Iranian Deputy Science, Research, and Technology Minister; and Mohamad Amer Tlas, the Syrian Vice-President for the National Union of Students, in a meeting in Tehran, discussed ways to enhance scientific and technological cooperation.

The necessity of establishing a joint science and technology park in Syria was highlighted.

The officials also agreed to hold an exhibition of Iran’s scientific achievements in Syria to make Syrian students acquainted more with the technologies and innovations of Iran and Iranian universities.

Syrian students who are interested in studying in Iran will be granted scholarships for master's and Ph.D. degrees.

It was also decided to strengthen Persian language courses in Syria by dispatching professors from Iran.

Iran ready for scientific cooperation

Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-based Economy, Rouhollah Dehqani-Firouzabadi, condemning unilateral coercive measures against Iran's knowledge-based and scientific companies, has announced Iran's readiness for scientific and technological cooperation with other countries to make a better world.

He made the remarks at the 15th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Social Forum held from November 2 – 3, in Geneva, IRIB reported.

“We are keen to engage with the international community and share our research with them while benefiting from the best practices, developments, and achievements of other countries in the fields of science, technology, and innovation,” IRIB quotes Firouzabadi as saying.

He went on to say that knowledge-based companies play a key role in developing new technologies and solutions to face today's challenges, they have a profound impact on the preservation of basic human rights such as the right to life, health, work and development, and at the same time they deal with inequalities, poverty and unemployment in society.

“Despite unilateral economic sanctions and challenges in accessing coronavirus vaccines and related medical equipment, Iran has achieved an impressive 76 percent vaccination rate among its population against COVID-19,” Firouzabadi added.

Iran's active participation in international cooperation and sharing knowledge and initiatives to strengthen the global response to this epidemic, especially in developing and less developed countries, demonstrate its unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and improving the well-being of communities around the world.

Also, Iranian knowledge-based companies are actively involved in environmental initiatives and work tirelessly to mitigate climate change and maintain sustainable prosperity. Their dedication and participation in these fields deserve international recognition and support.

Calling unilateral coercive measures against Iran's knowledge-based companies, innovation, and scientific development disappointing, Firouzabadi highlighted, “These measures not only violate the human rights of every Iranian but also severely hinder progress and international cooperation in crisis situations.

We call for an end to such actions to realize human rights and improve global scientific progress.”

“We all have the responsibility to work towards a better world for everyone.  Using knowledge, science, and technology in a collaborative and inclusive way, we can create a better world and future. Let's make it brighter for everyone,” he pointed out.

In May, Haddadi-Asl said Iran is ready to share its technological expertise with other Islamic countries.

Science and technology should be applied in order to create world peace and human justice, and Muslim countries can bring peace and progress not only to the Muslim nations but also to human beings with unity and empathy, Haddadi-Asl said, IRNA reported.

The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its duty to support science and technology diplomacy between Islamic countries, through conducting joint scientific projects in areas needed by Islamic countries, he highlighted.

The goal can be achieved through creating innovation zones and a union of science and technology parks of Islamic countries, activating the union of universities of Islamic countries, and also exchanging of professors and students, the official noted.

MT/MG