H.E. Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan visited the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) and held a meeting with the ECOSF Leadership including by Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECOSF and Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director, ECOSF on October 7, 2025. The visit aimed to explore avenues for deepening cooperation between ECOSF and Uzbek institutions, with a focus on advancing science, technology and innovation (STI) as a driver of regional development.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Prof. Tayebi highlighted that Uzbekistan is a key member of ECOSF and emphasized the importance of building robust, structured collaboration in STI—particularly through joint programmes that empower youth, strengthen scientific capacity, and promote innovation ecosystems across the ECO region. During the meeting, Dr. Memon outlined priority areas where ECOSF seeks facilitation and support from the Embassy and relevant authorities in Tashkent, including stronger institutional participation in ECOSF initiatives and enhanced coordination for upcoming regional activities.

During the meeting, Mr. Khalil Raza, Programs Manager ECOSF provided a briefing on ECOSF’s mandate, current programmes, and strategic roadmaps, highlighting how ECOSF’s interventions can support STI promotion in Uzbekistan in line with regional priorities. Prof. Tayebi specially requested the Embassy’s support in arranging high-level engagements with Uzbekistan’s key institutions—particularly the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to expand partnerships and identify concrete collaboration pathways.

Ambassador Tukhtaev appreciated ECOSF’s ongoing efforts and initiatives for Uzbekistan and the wider ECO region, and—recognizing the importance of STI and youth empowerment—assured the Embassy’s full support in facilitating coordination with Uzbekistan’s relevant institutions and authorities.