TEHRAN, Apr. 02 (MNA) � Iran�s acting deputy minister of science and technology for international cooperation announced the increase of joint academic projects with foreign universities.


Noting that Iran has cooperated with 95 countries in organizing joint research programs, Hossein Salar Amoli informed on efforts to double the joint academic and scientific programs during new Iranian year (began 20 March 2016).

�Development of Persian language and Islamic Studies courses in foreign universities atop the agenda of the Ministry as they are believed to be Islamic Republic of Iran�s oft power means,� the official said.

Accordingly, Deputy Science Minister For Socio-cultural Affairs Seyed Zia Hashemi has announced the development of cultural cooperation with foreign universities.

In another related news, Head of Iran�s University of Applied Science and Technology (UAST) Mohammad Akhbari revealed the plan to open an office in a European country in near future.

�The office would be responsible for joint programs and exchange of students with foreign universities,� he said.

�Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali and Turkmenistan have requested the establishment of UAST branches; cooperation with Turkish universities on some particular fields is on the agenda of the university as well,� added the official.

By Mehr News Agency