Islamabad, Pakistan and the United States have renewed their agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation, extending the pact for an additional five years. The extension was formalized through an exchange of diplomatic notes between officials from both nations.
The official signing ceremony transpired in Washington DC. Representing the Government of Pakistan was Muhammad Saad Ahmed, while Ms. Michelle Sheckells stood for the U.S. State Department, as both exchanged the requisite documents. Distinguished attendees included Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, and Jason Donovan, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the US Department of State.
The primary objective of this Agreement is the bolstering of scientific, technological, and engineering prowess of the involved parties. It aims to deepen relations between the vast scientific and technological communities in both countries and foster scientific and technological collaboration for peaceful pursuits.
The Agreement facilitates cooperation through various avenues. These include the exchange of scientific and technical information; mutual visits by scientists and technical experts; organization of joint seminars and meetings; training initiatives for scientists and technical experts; collaborative research projects; educational interactions centered on science, technology, and engineering; the founding of science-driven public-private partnerships; and any other mutually agreed-upon scientific and technological cooperation activities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan highlighted the importance of the Agreement, expressing that it provides a foundational framework to boost collaboration between scientists, engineers, and technological professionals from both nations. He emphasized the significance of addressing challenges in critical sectors such as climate change, energy, agriculture, and IT. The content was made available to the public through a press statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan.