On 21 November 2019, Moscow hosted the 5th Meeting of the Heads of Science and Technology Ministries and Departments of the SCO Member States, also attended by SCO observer states and dialogue partners. The Russian Federation was represented by Minister of Science and Higher Education Mikhail Kotyukov and First Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Grigory Trubnikov.
The participants discussed the implementation of the Action Plan for Implementation of the SCO Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology for 2016-2020, as well as the implementation of the Cooperation in Science and New technology section of the draft list of measures to further expand project activities within the SCO in 2017-2021. The implementation of decisions from the previous meeting was recognised as successful.
The heads of the delegations accepted the information on the implementation of the 2019-2020 Plan of Practical Measures (Roadmap) for Cooperation among Research Institutions of the SCO Member States and instructed the Permanent Working Group to draft a new plan for 2021-2022.
The participants also exchanged views on the development of mechanisms for supporting and coordinating science and technology cooperation between the SCO member states. The meeting participants unanimously agreed on the need for further steps to simplify access to the scientific research infrastructure, including Mega-Science class units in the SCO member states, for individual specialists and research groups, taking into consideration each country’s national legislation. In addition, the heads of the delegations reaffirmed the importance of the exchange of experts and scientists as part of science and technology cooperation.
The 6th Meeting of the Heads of Science and Technology Ministries and Departments of the SCO Member States was scheduled for 2020 in Pakistan.
Following the meeting, a protocol was signed.