ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in education, science, research, innovation and higher learning during a meeting between the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training and Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Dr Hossein Simaei Sarraf.
The meeting was held during Dr Sarraf’s official visit to Pakistan and highlighted the longstanding friendship and brotherly ties between the two neighbouring countries. Both sides expressed their resolve to strengthen institutional linkages for the benefit of students, researchers and academic communities.
The Federal Minister welcomed the Iranian delegation and conveyed Pakistan’s appreciation for the historic and close relations between the two countries. The two sides noted the growing progress in bilateral educational cooperation and agreed on the need to further broaden partnerships between universities and research institutions.
During the talks, satisfaction was expressed over the successful implementation of existing memoranda of understanding between Pakistani and Iranian higher education institutions, including the National University of Modern Languages. The two sides also encouraged similar cooperation among other universities and research organisations.
The discussions covered a range of areas, including teacher education, curriculum development, digital learning, artificial intelligence, educational technology, technical and vocational education and training, joint research projects, faculty exchanges and student mobility.
Both delegations underlined the importance of collaborative research, academic conferences, innovation partnerships and scholarship opportunities to strengthen academic connections and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The Federal Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to implementing education-related decisions of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Commission. He said both countries should translate their shared vision into practical and meaningful outcomes through sustained institutional engagement.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing common educational challenges and advancing scientific and technological progress.
Dr Hossein Simaei Sarraf appreciated the hospitality extended by the Government of Pakistan and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between educational and scientific institutions in the two countries would further deepen bilateral relations.
He said such cooperation could contribute to regional development through innovation, research excellence and academic engagement.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and continue exploring new avenues of cooperation. They said the focus would remain on strengthening people-to-people contacts, promoting academic excellence and fostering sustainable development through education, science and research.
The two sides expressed optimism that the outcomes of the visit would reinforce the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Iran and create new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
