The United Nations ‘Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’ ESCAP and COMSATS signed an agreement to promote cooperation in the areas of research and joint publications, said an official.

Framework of cooperation will be provided by COMSATS and ESCAP to facilitate collaboration in research. The MoU was signed by UN Under Secretary for ESCAP Dr. Shamshad Akhtar and Executive Director COMSATS Dr. S. M Junaid Zaidi in a ceremony held in Islamabad.

The chief guest on the occasion was Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain. Yasmeen Masood, Federal Secretary, Ministry for Science and Technology, Ambassadors of various countries, UN Resident Representative and diplomats from various missions have witnessed this important breakthrough for COMSATS.

ESCAP and COMSATS will promote cooperation in the areas of research and joint publications; organizing and participating in joint events and conduct capacity building and training workshops according to the agreement.

The ESCAP will take measures and initiatives to strengthen the activities of COMSATS with the Network of Centers of Excellence and consider joint publications and exchange of information and documents on issues of mutual interest and experts in various fields.

Ministry of Science and Technology has a vital role in promoting research and innovation culture in Pakistan appreciated Dr. Shamshad Akhtar.

Dr. Junaid Zaidi said while appreciating the visionary leadership and efforts of COMSATS to promote development cooperation among the countries from the South. Dr. Akhtar also guaranteed the full support and cooperation of ESCAP with COMSATS.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, said that such kind of cooperation will be helpful for the entire developing countries member to COMSATS along with Pakistan.

Several key initiatives were taken by the Government of Pakistan to promote the culture of research and innovation in Pakistan said Federal Minister.