Launching the Yerevan Branch of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park, A Start for Knowledge-Based Cooperation
According to the Public Relations of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park, a meeting between the President of the University of Tehran and the President of Yerevan University was held on Tuesday, June 31st at the University of Tehran Board Hall.
Dr. Moghimi, expressing readiness for launching a branch of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park in Armenia, stated: We hope to provide the grounds for the establishment of branches of knowledge-based companies residing in the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park in the spaces available at Yerevan University.
The President of the University of Tehran, while referring to requests from countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar and Oman to establish branches of the University of Tehran in these countries, emphasized: If we want to implement the idea of launching a branch of the University of Tehran in other countries, Armenia will be one of the options for this.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Moghimi, President of the University of Tehran, considered interaction with neighboring countries’ universities as a priority in organizing scientific cooperation and said: We are ready to provide joint educational and research opportunities with the help of Yerevan University to promote relations between Iran and Armenia and the countries present in the region.
Following the request from the President of Yerevan University for the expansion of Persian language and literature to be the axis of joint cooperation between the two universities, Dr. Moghimi elaborated: The expansion of Persian language and literature chairs in Armenia, as well as greater recognition and development of the Armenian language in Iran, is one of the University of Tehran’s areas of interest in developing scientific relations.
He added: Organizing joint and international research activities, student and faculty exchange, and cooperation in the field of knowledge-based companies are other areas of joint cooperation, and we are ready to launch a branch of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park in Armenia and at Yerevan University.
Dr. Moghimi proposed: Branches of knowledge-based companies residing in the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park be established in spaces available at Yerevan University, and cooperation between the two universities begins.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Moghimi, while referring to the University of Tehran having 50 faculties, 130 academic departments and nearly a thousand majors of study, stated: Unfortunately, only a small part of the 600 memorandums of understanding signed between the University of Tehran and various world universities have been implemented. However, in the new management period of the University of Tehran, our principle is to be able to implement these memorandums of understanding more.
He spoke about the cultural commonalities of Iran and Armenia and added: Armenia has always been a priority for Iran in developing relations throughout history. We Iranians have a positive background regarding our Armenian compatriots and peers in Armenia; In the University of Tehran, we also witness the presence of Armenians in our country among both students and faculty members.
Dr. Moghimi stated: We want to have a peaceful region full of peace and tranquility. Undoubtedly, the role of the universities of Tehran and Yerevan can be constructive and positive in this regard.
The president of the University of Tehran spoke about the recent visit of the Armenian ambassador to Tehran and said: It was agreed in this meeting to hold a joint conference entitled “Opportunities and Challenges of Socio-Economic Relations between Iran and Armenia” with the support of the Armenian Embassy in Iran and on the initiative of the universities of the two countries, in which role the University of Tehran and Yerevan University can play a key role and thus socio-economic relations between the two countries can be achieved through these scientific interactions.
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, President of Yerevan University, also noted that Yerevan State University has a 103-year history, is the largest university in Armenia with 20 faculties, 13 research institutes and 19,000 students. He said: The main focus of cooperation between the two universities should be on expanding Persian language and literature in Armenia because there is great interest and demand in Armenia to learn Persian language and literature, even in the form of short educational courses.
He further stated, referring to the increasing international demand and from outside Armenia for studying oriental studies and Persian language and literature at Yerevan University in recent years: The exchange of experience and transfer of scientific capabilities of the University of Tehran in these fields is an opportunity for Yerevan University.
The President of Yerevan University, in relation to the issue of creating joint cooperation through establishing branches of knowledge-based companies residing in the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park in spaces available at Yerevan University, clarified: Cooperation in the field of knowledge-based companies is one of our interests.
He added: The perception that exists about Iran and Iranians in Armenia is a positive one. The Armenian society’s view is that we are friendly and brotherly nations.
In another part of this meeting, Dr. Ali Asadi, Head of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi, Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Abdolreza Seif, Advisor to the President of the University and Head of the Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Dr. Zahra Emamjomeh, Head of Aras Campus and a number of managers from the international sector of the University of Tehran discussed grounds for joint cooperation with Yerevan University.