Amman: Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) Mashhour Refai on Tuesday engaged in discussions with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Jordan Shahin Abdullayev, focusing on potential cooperation in science and technology to bolster partnerships.
According to Jordan News Agency, Refai emphasized the robust relations between Jordan and Azerbaijan, highlighting the Council's dedication to collaborating and networking with Azerbaijani centers and institutions that share mutual objectives. He stressed the importance of exchanging best practices in science and research, as well as leveraging international expertise in innovation management.
Refai provided the ambassador with an overview of the Council's establishment, its role, objectives, and activities, along with information about its affiliated centers and funds. He also discussed recent programs, such as the conference on the state of scientific research and its impact on the national economy, and outlined the ten-year national research priorities.
Refai emphasized the strategic significance of integrating the Scientific Research and Innovation Support Fund under the HCST's umbrella, highlighting opportunities to align the national research and innovation system more closely with market needs.
Ambassador Abdullayev highlighted potential areas for collaboration through Azerbaijani counterpart institutions, focusing on strengthening connections between universities, research centers, and the industrial sector in areas like artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Both parties agreed to expedite the preparation of a memorandum of understanding to establish a long-term partnership and constructive cooperation between the HCST and Azerbaijani counterparts, including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.