Islamabad, August 12, 2026: Russia and the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) on Wednesday explored new avenues to expand cooperation in science, technology and higher education.
The discussion took place when Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev received a COMSTECH delegation led by its Coordinator General, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary.
The meeting focused on opportunities to further develop cooperation between COMSTECH and Russia in its capacity as an OIC Observer State.
Prof. Iqbal Choudhary highlighted existing cooperation with Russian institutions, particularly Kazan Federal University and the Russian Association of Earthquake Engineering and Protection against Natural and Man-Made Hazards.
The participants identified significant potential for expanding academic exchanges through stronger inter-university links, scholarship programmes and joint fundamental research.
They also stressed the need to accelerate implementation of initiatives agreed at the first meeting of the Working Group on Cooperation between COMSTECH and the Russian Federation in science, technology and higher education.
The working group meeting was held on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan on May 13, 2026.
Ambassador Khorev reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to expanding multifaceted dialogue with the OIC and Muslim countries, including Pakistan.
The sides noted that stronger cooperation between Russia and COMSTECH could also contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Pakistan.
They agreed to maintain regular contacts and extend all possible support for the implementation of joint scientific and academic projects.
