ISLAMABAD: Two scientific research institutions of Iran and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for exchange of knowledge and sharing the fruits of scientific developments.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran and the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (Comstech) signed the MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of students, experts and academic staff for professional development and enhancing scientific activities.

Prof Dr M. Iqbal Chaudhry, Coordinator General of Comstech, and Dr Rahim Sorouri, Director of Pasteur Institute of Iran, signed the MoU in Tehran, Iran.

The agreement entails the development and implementation of joint educational programmes, research, technology and innovation initiatives as well as the organisation of national and international events such as conferences, workshops, exhibitions and courses.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran will also become a member of the Comstech Consortium of Excellence as per the agreement.

During a meeting, Prof Iqbal Chaudhry acknowledged the Iranian institute as a valuable opportunity for expanding Comsetch’s cooperation.

Prof Chaudhry suggested close collaboration of Comsetch with the Pasteur Institute and recognised the institute’s distinguished reputation in Iran and worldwide in the field of infectious diseases and vaccines.

Dr Rahim Sorouri presented the institute’s activities and capabilities and expressed the willingness to establish comprehensive scientific collaboration with Comstech.

During the meeting, managers from different divisions of Pasteur Institute of Iran highlighted the institute’s capabilities and proposed ideas for collaborative efforts.

It was agreed that regular coordination meetings would be called to solidify future agreements.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran was established in 1920 through an agreement between the Iranian government and the Pasteur Institute of Paris and it is a renowned research and public health centre in Iran and the Middle East.

Comstech was established by the third summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 1981 with the mission of strengthening cooperation among member countries in science and technology.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2023