Vice President for International Affairs of the University of Tehran Meets with President of ECO Science Foundation to Advance Academic Cooperation and Strengthen Science Diplomacy

As part of efforts to develop and strengthen scientific and international cooperation, Professor Seyed Kamil Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation (ESF), met and held discussions with Dr. Saeid Hamzeh, Vice President for International Affairs of the University of Tehran, on Monday, 9 Shahrivar 1405 (31 August 2026), at the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs of the University of Tehran.

During the meeting, Professor Tayebi emphasized the importance of expanding scientific, educational, and research cooperation between the ECO Science Foundation and the University of Tehran. Particular attention was given to the University of Tehran’s potential to play a more effective role in fostering scientific interactions among universities and research institutions in the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Dr. Hamzeh, for his part, introduced the University of Tehran’s academic, educational, research, and international capacities and capabilities, and emphasized the University’s readiness to expand cooperation with universities and scientific and research institutions in ECO member states. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging existing capacities to broaden academic relations and interactions across the region.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss and exchange views on various areas of cooperation between the University of Tehran and the ECO Science Foundation. Key areas considered included the organization of joint educational and specialized training programs, both in-person and online; the organization of joint academic meetings, conferences, and scientific events; implementation of joint research projects; faculty and student exchanges; and the establishment and strengthening of links among universities and scientific institutions in ECO member states.

The participants further emphasized the role of scientific and academic cooperation in strengthening science diplomacy and expanding interactions among countries in the region. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the capacity of the ECO Science Foundation to facilitate connections between the University of Tehran and universities and scientific institutions in ECO member states, thereby creating opportunities for the development of multilateral cooperation and the formation of regional academic and scientific networks.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of moving beyond broad frameworks of cooperation toward the design and implementation of concrete and actionable programs. It was agreed that priority areas of cooperation in education, research, academic exchange, joint events, and the development of connections among universities in ECO member states would be pursued.

The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening cooperation between the University of Tehran and the ECO Science Foundation and leveraging the capacities of universities and scientific institutions across the region to advance scientific, educational, and research cooperation and promote science diplomacy within the ECO region.

The news of this meeting is published in NEWSLetter of ECO, in page 17.