Iran and Russia have agreed to deepen academic cooperation by focusing on artificial intelligence and the maritime economy. Officials said stronger university partnerships will support research, innovation, and scientific development. They also believe closer cooperation will create new opportunities for students, researchers, and academic institutions.
Representatives from the University of Tehran, the Russian Embassy, and the Russkiy Mir Foundation attended a coordination meeting on Monday. They reviewed previously signed memoranda of understanding. They also discussed practical ways to improve their implementation across key academic sectors.
University of Tehran Vice President for International Affairs Elham Aminzadeh presented an overview of the university’s international activities. She said Iranian universities continue expanding partnerships despite regional challenges. She also stressed that science diplomacy remains an important tool for strengthening international academic relations.
Aminzadeh highlighted a recent international higher education summit. The event focused on crisis resilience, virtual learning, and skill-based education programs. She said the University of Tehran received about 3,300 international applications. The university admitted 364 students, while nearly 59 percent joined postgraduate programs.
She added that Iranian universities remain connected with nearly 300 leading universities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. She also confirmed plans to establish a Korean language program through international academic cooperation.
Reviewing more than a decade of cooperation, Aminzadeh said Iran and Russia have expanded student exchanges, faculty visits, language programs, research projects, and academic workshops. She also proposed creating a permanent committee between leading universities. The committee would monitor progress and strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence and the maritime economy.
University official Mahmoud-Reza Delavar proposed establishing a joint financial fund for research projects. He said reliable funding would expand cooperation in aerospace, transportation, steel production, geophysics, and maritime industries.
Russian Ambassador’s adviser Igor Demkin said Iran and Russia have not yet reached their full scientific potential. He noted that nearly 350 cooperation agreements have been signed. However, only a small number have been fully implemented. Demkin urged both countries to prioritize major projects. He added that the next two years offer an important opportunity to expand practical academic cooperation and strengthen long-term scientific partnerships.