ECOSF Initiates Dialogue with AKDN & University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan

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While being in Kyrgyzstan, President ECOSF availed an opportunity to initiate a dialogue for cooperation and collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network- AKDN and their project in Kyrgyzstan; the University of Central Asia. The dialogue began in separate meetings of President ECOSF Prof. Manzoor Hussain Soomro with the Diplomatic Representative of AKDN in Kyrgyz Republic & Executive Chair of the University of Central Asia H.E. Mr. Shams Kassim-Lakha and the Director General of University of Central Asia Prof. Bohdan Krawchenko in Bishkek on 8 Oct 2015.

Prof. Soomro with H.E. Shams Kassim-Lakha on his left and H.E. Mr. M. B. Sangi, Charge d' Affairs of Pakistan on his right in Bishkek-Kyrgyzstan	Prof. Soomro with Prof. Bohdan, Director General of the University of Central Asia in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

Both the Gentlemen warmly welcomed the President ECOSF on his maiden visit to the University. They gave a brief introduction of the University and its establishment. They briefed Prof. Soomro about the ongoing projects in the University. President ECOSF gave them a brief account of ECOSF activities and plans for future. He shared with hosts, the international linkages developed by ECOSF and emphasized on the need for a stronger "Cooperation and Collaboration" in S&T research institutions among the 10 ECO member countries including the Kyrgyz Republic. Dr. Soomro further said that ECO Science Foundation will play a very vital role and provide a platform to develop linkages with the S&T institutions, organizations as well as universities of ECO countries and the international organizations partnering with ECOSF. He then highlighted the ECOSF programme of inquiry based science education (IBSE) recently launched in Astana-Kazakhstan and its implementation in ECO member countries together with international partners of ECOSF.

Hosts were positive about cooperation and collaboration with ECO Science Foundation. It was thus agreed in principle to keep in touch and the ECOSF will write formally to the University management on the initiatives and options for cooperation. Meanwhile Dr. Soomro invited the University to benefit from ECOSF programs with the concurrence of national Governments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan where the university is operating. It is pertinent to mention that the University has its main seat in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan but campuses in the process of establishment in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan as well; all three countries members of ECO. They highly appreciated the initiatives of ECOSF and assured President Soomro of their cooperation and support.