RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan had a meeting with Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simai Sarraf within the framework of her official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Islamic Republic of Iran Grigor Hakobyan, Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Rector of Brusov State University David Gyurjinyan, Director of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran Ara Khzmalyan, and other members of the RA delegation also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the sides underscored the significance of the friendly relations between Armenia and Iran and the steps taken to strengthen them. The ESCS Minister expressed confidence that the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation to Armenia will further contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations and the advancement of cooperation.

Highlighting the opportunities to expand cooperation in the field of higher education and science, the parties expressed their willingness to invest efforts to deepen bilateral ties.

Zhanna Andreasyan briefed on the reforms being implemented in the higher education and science sectors of the Republic of Armenia, emphasizing that they are processes leading to qualitative changes. The ESCS Minister referred to the “Academic City” program, noting that it is a project that transforms the public environment and atmosphere, which will contribute to the modernization of higher education in the Republic of Armenia, enhancing international competitiveness, and fostering a modern scientific and research environment.

Zhanna Andreasyan also noted that in recent years the RA Government has significantly increased funding for the science sector, and that a new draft law “On Higher Education and Science” is currently under circulation, which will also lay the legal basis for joint initiatives with foreign scientists and participation in grant programs.

ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan also highlighted the prospects for the development of Armenian studies in Iranian higher educational institutions. According to her, the common historical past of the two countries, as well as the important contribution of the Iranian-Armenian community, provides opportunities for the advancement of Armenian stuadies. The Minister informed that, to develop Armenian studies, the RA state budget allocates funding for the activities of Armenian studies centres at universities in various countries, suggesting considering also establishing a similar centre at one of the Iranian universities.

During the meeting, the sides also emphasized the significance of mutual recognition of university diplomas between Armenia and Iran. The parties considered the possibilities of exchanging lecturers and scientists, and implementing joint educational and scientific programs.

At the end of the meeting, the Ministers of both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of education between the RA ESCS Ministry and the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology for 2025-2029. The document provides for the exchange of information on educational systems, the establishment of direct ties between higher education institutions, the promotion of mutual visits of professors and lecturers, the exchange of educational programs, etc.

The sides expressed confidence that the memorandum will open up new opportunities for universities in both countries, as well as for students and other stakeholders.