On January 8, 2025, an online meeting was held via ZOOM between the Scientific and Production Center for Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal Plants under the Forestry Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the QUAID-I-AZAM University of Pakistan. A memorandum on scientific and practical cooperation was signed as part of the event.

Representatives of scientific institutions of both countries participated in the online meeting. Acting Director of the Center for Cultivation of Medicinal Plants T.O. Ibragimov opened the event and, speaking about the significance of this event, said:

“Today's meeting is of great importance for us. Through scientific cooperation with the QUAID-I-AZAM University of Pakistan, there will be an opportunity to further develop the potential of the two countries in the field of medicinal plants.”

During the event, presentations were made on the scientific and research activities of both parties. Head of the Laboratory for Introduction of Medicinal Plants and Agrotechnics, Ph.D. N.S. Rustamov, speaking about the work being done on the study of medicinal plants in Uzbekistan, said:

“We are using modern technologies to study and cultivate unique species of medicinal plants. And the exchange of experience with Pakistani scientists will help make this process more effective,” he noted.

Speaking on the Pakistani side, Academician Ahmad Mushtaq, Director of the Botanical Garden at QUAID-I-AZAM University, said:

“The rich potential of Uzbekistan in the field of medicinal plants is very interesting for us. We are ready to exchange experience and conduct joint research in this area.”

At the end of the meeting, the heads of both institutions signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document aimed to cooperate in the following areas:

• Joint research on the introduction of medicinal plants and agrotechnics;

• Exchange of experience between scientists and specialists;

• Development of new projects for the study of rare plant species and their effective use.

After signing the memorandum, the participants noted the promising nature of this cooperation between the two countries. Director of the Botanical Garden Ahmad Mushtaq noted that this process will strengthen not only scientific, but also cultural ties.

Deputy Director General of the Center, Ph.D. Ch.A. Kholmurolov, speaking about the practical significance of this cooperation, expressed his opinion:

“Cooperation in scientific research leads to joint achievements, and these results benefit society. Both sides will greatly benefit from this process.”

This cooperation will undoubtedly increase the scientific potential of the two countries and open up new opportunities in the field of medicinal plants.