Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 April, an official meeting took place in Budapest between Shokhrukh Daliyev, First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Balázs Hankó, Hungary’s Minister of Culture and Innovation.

The two sides discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation. Shokhrukh Daliyev emphasized that Uzbekistan views Hungary as one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs and attaches great importance to strengthening ties in this field.

During the meeting, the results of previously implemented joint startup competitions were reviewed, and the continuation of bilateral scientific project selection and the expansion of priority areas were also discussed.

Daliyev proposed introducing mechanisms for joint funding to support scientific cooperation and increasing the number of research projects involving both scientists and entrepreneurs.

One of the key areas of future collaboration highlighted by both parties was cooperation in innovation and artificial intelligence. An agreement was reached to explore opportunities for joint research initiatives, the creation of shared laboratories, and the development of educational programs in this domain.

Specific proposals were also put forward to enhance innovation infrastructure through expert exchanges between the two countries, as well as seminars, internships, and practical study visits. The importance of collaboration in technoparks, startup incubators, and the commercialization of scientific developments was particularly noted.

In turn, to foster academic collaboration, an agreement was reached to hold a Uzbekistan-Hungary Rectors’ Forum in Uzbekistan.