Thailand and COMSTECH have entered a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing scientific and technological collaboration, highlighting Thailand’s important role as an observer state within the OIC’s scientific community.
Thailand’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, visited the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, where he held detailed discussions with Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH. The meeting marked the beginning of a new and strengthened phase in the partnership between Thailand and COMSTECH, reflecting mutual recognition of the benefits of enhanced collaboration in science and technology.
Both parties identified several joint initiatives to move this partnership forward. Among the key initiatives agreed upon was registering Thai institutional resources into the OIC Technology and Innovation Portal, a step intended to facilitate greater knowledge sharing and collaboration. Additionally, Thailand will actively engage in the COMSTECH Youth Leadership Training Program, offer scholarships and fellowships, and explore youth exchange programs to foster skills development and cultural exchange.
Educational collaboration was another focal area, with plans for Thai universities to participate in the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) and the Rectors Forum. Thailand has also expressed willingness to support the COMSTECH Journal of Science Communication & Diplomacy and international science-driven events.
The partnership further aims to advance Halal science through the establishment of a regional Halal testing and research center in Thailand, recognizing the country’s potential to strategically contribute to this important domain. Moreover, supporting women scientists through targeted research funding initiatives was highlighted as a priority to help create equitable opportunities in research and development.
Environmental cooperation was also discussed as an important element of the partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and sustainability goals.
Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to gradually implementing these agreed-upon initiatives while maintaining close bilateral communication to ensure their effective execution.
