COMSTECH and the Institute of Botany of Azerbaijan have jointly organized an international workshop in Islamabad aimed at advancing research and collaboration in the field of nature-based medicinal and cosmetic products. The workshop brought together leading scientists, researchers, and young scholars from both Pakistan and Azerbaijan to share expertise, strengthen research partnerships, and explore opportunities in natural medicine, phytochemistry, and related scientific areas.
The event began with a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, who highlighted the growing significance of fusing traditional knowledge with modern science in the development of new drugs, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. He emphasized that this workshop would not only foster bilateral research ties but also deepen historic relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan under the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Nadir Farhadov, addressed the inaugural session, expressing appreciation for the collaboration and noting the advanced state of bilateral and OIC-level relations between his country and Pakistan. He underscored Azerbaijan’s historical roots in natural medicine and affirmed Azerbaijan’s strong interest in boosting scientific cooperation in this field.
Prof. Dr. Sayyara Ibadullayeva, Director General of the Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, delivered presentations on the current challenges in studying Azerbaijan’s plant resources and emphasized the importance of further research and capacity-building efforts.
Technical sessions featured prominent experts from both countries. Topics presented included new strategies in drug delivery systems, chemical diversity and therapeutic potential of natural products, ongoing research on useful plants and fungi in Azerbaijan, and the need for evidence-based studies to support traditional medicine. Researchers also discussed the chemical composition and medicinal properties of native plant species, such as Lactuca L. and Valeriana L., and addressed the development of new compounds for disease treatment.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Sayyara Ibadullayeva, and the distribution of certificates to participants. Attendees expressed appreciation to COMSTECH and the Institute of Botany, Azerbaijan, for promoting research collaboration and scientific training.
This event reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and Azerbaijan to work together in advancing the field of natural product sciences and promoting broader scientific cooperation across OIC member countries.
