Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 15 April, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan launched the II Forum of University Rectors of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan on the basis of the Tashkent State Economic University.

The conference “2030: priorities for the development of higher education and science in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan” is attended by rectors of 30 prestigious higher educational institutions, headed by the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan Rahim Saidzoda, from the Uzbek side - more than 50 heads of higher educational institutions, managers ministries and departments.

Today, thanks to the support and initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the higher education system of Uzbekistan has undergone profound reforms. The number of universities has tripled. Foreign universities and their branches appeared. Universities of Uzbekistan implement joint educational programs in cooperation with foreign universities.

Between universities of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan there are more than 100 interuniversity agreements and memorandums of cooperation, constant academic exchange is carried out with the aim of participating in scientific and practical forums and seminars held in both countries, giving lectures and conducting practical classes, advanced training, conducting scientific- research works, training and internships, etc.

The international conference “2030: priorities for the development of higher education and science in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan” was opened by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kongratbay Sharipov, with his opening speech. He emphasized the importance of this event:

– The main goal of the forum is the development of human capital, its high intellectual potential, improvement of professional skills and training of personnel capable of scientific and institutional management of vast natural resources on the territory of the two countries. It gives me great pleasure to welcome the rectors of the two countries. Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan in many aspects is developing from year to year thanks to the political will of our presidents. I believe that this forum will contribute to even more productive cooperation between our countries in the fields of higher education, science and innovation.

Kongratbay Sharipov warmly congratulated the guest on his visit to our country. During the dialogue, the leaders of the higher education systems of the two countries recognized the expansion of cooperation in the field of higher education and science in recent years and agreed to accelerate work in this direction.

The parties also exchanged views on the agenda of today's forum and expressed confidence in reaching important agreements.

Before the start of the international conference, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, Kongratbay Sharipov, held negotiations with the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, Rakhim Saidzoda.

Kongratbay Sharipov warmly congratulated the guest on his visit to our country. During the dialogue, the leaders of the higher education systems of the two countries recognized the expansion of cooperation in the field of higher education and science in recent years and agreed to accelerate work in this direction. Within the framework of the forum, issues of integration between higher educational institutions of our country and universities of Tajikistan, the exchange of professors and teachers, the organization of mutual learning processes, improving the quality of education, exchange of experience, internships, and cooperation in scientific activities will be discussed.

As a result of the forum, more than 50 memorandums of understanding, agreements and road maps are expected to be signed.