On March 13, 2026, the Third Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in Dushanbe at the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni under the theme “Higher Education and Science of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: New Horizons of Cooperation.”

The forum was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as rectors and heads of leading universities from both countries.

It should be noted that the development of cooperation in science and education is one of the priority areas of strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The forums of rectors serve as an important platform for strengthening academic cooperation, expanding scientific ties, and implementing joint educational and research projects.

The opening ceremony of the forum was moderated by Lutfia Abdulholikzoda, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Rahim Hamro Saidzoda, Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan, and Kongratbay Avezimbetovich Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan.

During the plenary session, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Tajikistan and Rector of the Tajik State University of Commerce, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Khayrullo Holnazar Nazarzoda delivered a presentation titled “Scientific and Educational Cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan: The Role of Rectors’ Forums in Strengthening Strategic Partnership.”

In his speech, the rector emphasized that the forums of rectors represent an effective platform for developing inter-university cooperation, exchanging best practices, implementing joint educational programs and scientific research, and expanding academic mobility of students and faculty members.

Among the speakers were also Inom Urishovich Madjidov, Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Zoir Rahmonzoda, Rector of the Tajik Technological University, and Sadriddin Mahamatdinovich Turabjanov, Rector of the Tashkent State Technical University.

As a result of the forum, a ceremony of signing bilateral cooperation agreements between universities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was held. Within the framework of the forum, the Tajik State University of Commerce also signed a number of international cooperation documents, including protocols, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation agreements with the following universities of Uzbekistan:

• Fergana State University;

• Tashkent State University of Economics;

• Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al Khwarizmi;

• Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction named after Mirzo Ulugbek;

• Termez State University.

The signed documents provide for the development of joint educational programs, academic exchanges of students and faculty members, joint scientific research, conferences, and other academic activities.