On April 15, 2026, Dou Xiankang, President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), met with a delegation led by Uktam Rakhimovich Salomov, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan (MHESI).

Prof. Dou extended a warm welcome to Vice Minister Salomov and his delegation, and introduced NSFC’s mandate as China’s primary funding agency for basic and applied research and talent development. He pointed out that NSFC remains committed to directing valuable scientific and technological resources to the most innovative frontline researchers. He stressed that China’s rapid progress in science, technology and socioeconomic development stems from its commitment to high-standard opening-up, emphasis on talent cultivation, sustained increase in investment in basic research, and active efforts to promote the application and translation of basic research achievements. Prof. Dou stated that NSFC stands ready to work with MHESI under the framework of the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, discuss and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), conduct practical cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and exchanges of young scientists to jointly build a closer China-Uzbekistan community for S&T cooperation.

Salomov thanked NSFC for the warm hospitality and praised China’s remarkable achievements in science and technology in recent years. He noted that MHESI highly values cooperation and exchanges with NSFC, and hopes to continuously improve Uzbekistan’s research funding and management system by drawing on NSFC’s valuable experience accumulated over four decades of development. Salomov expressed MHESI's willingness to sign a cooperation agreement with NSFC and explore bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. He extended a sincere invitation to NSFC to visit Uzbekistan.

Representatives from MHESI, Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fergana State Technical University, and the Yangiyer Branch of Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology attended the meeting.

Fan Yingjie, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of NSFC, and staff from the Division of Asia, Africa and International Organizations of the Bureau of International Cooperation also attended the meeting.