During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on advancing strategic dialogue between Central Asia and the European Union, emphasizing the importance of strengthening academic and expert ties in the wake of the recent Central Asia–European Union Summit held in Samarkand.

Discussions focused on launching joint research projects, academic exchange programs, and opportunities for young professionals to participate in international educational initiatives.

Among the key areas of cooperation outlined by Director Vakhabov were joint studies on regional connectivity, trade and transport corridors, sustainable development, digital transformation, and environmental protection.

To this end, both sides agreed to prepare joint analytical reports, publish scholarly articles in international academic journals, and co-organize thematic roundtables.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IICA and the Danube Institute. The document formalized both institutions’ shared commitment to fostering a sustainable dialogue and implementing joint research and educational initiatives. It also laid the foundation for a new platform dedicated to collaborative engagement across the Eurasian space.

Both parties emphasized that the memorandum opens new avenues for bilateral expert exchanges, the engagement of young researchers, and collaboration among academic staff. Under the agreement, the institutions committed to launching co-authored research initiatives, hosting academic fellowships, and holding regular expert consultations on pressing issues such as sustainable development, regional interconnectivity, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The Danube Institute is a leading Hungarian think tank specializing in strategic research across international relations, security, economics, politics, and culture. The institute regularly hosts international conferences, expert dialogues, and educational fellowships for researchers from around the world. A key focus of its activities is the Fellowship Programme—an esteemed initiative for emerging scholars that includes conducting research, participating in public lectures and masterclasses, and publishing in notable outlets such as Hungarian Conservative and European Conservative. The Danube Institute maintains strategic partnerships with major think tanks in Europe, the United States, and Asia.