A delegation from the Ministry of Innovational Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan met with representatives from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to discuss future exchange collaborations in science, technology and innovation across a wide range of areas. A signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) agreement is the outcome of those conversations. The visit and MoC are part of the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as hosted by His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman.

The agreement recognizes the potential value of leveraging scientific, technological and innovative strengths between the two entities, as KAUST is the core institution responsible for educating students and advancing the development and implementation of innovative scientific and technical projects in KSA and globally, and the Ministry of Innovational Development is the state body tasked with developing policy in the areas of science, innovation and technology to increase the intellectual and technological potential of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Potential collaborative activities identified by the participants include information sharing, personnel exchange, project support and internship assistance, among other areas of mutual interest. Activities will be coordinated by a Joint Working Group, a designated authority to be composed of representatives from relevant organizations assigned by the participants.

KAUST President Tony Chan said, "Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share many common aspirations, particularly in innovating the sustainability, food security, AI, computational bioscience and climate change sectors. This agreement reflects KAUST's commitment to global partnership, and we join hands with the Ministry of Innovative Development in addressing our shared challenges."

Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of the Ministry of Innovational Development, Uzbekistan, added, "This agreement opens the door to our scientists to wide opportunities for joint projects and exchange of experience."