Speaking to professors, researchers and students after the ceremony, Pezeshkian highlighted the shared scientific and civilizational heritage of Iran, Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

He noted that the region had produced some of history's greatest scholars, including Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Razi, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Farabi, whom Kazakhstan also claims with pride.

"Iran and Central Asia have for more than a thousand years been part of the world's scientific and medical memory," Pezeshkian said.

The president stressed the need for international cooperation to tackle modern health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, climate change and emerging pathogens.

He outlined Iran's advances in vaccine production, biotechnology drugs, radiopharmaceuticals, cell therapy, molecular medicine, AI-driven diagnostics and complex surgeries such as organ transplants and cardiac procedures.

Pezeshkian expressed Iran's readiness to expand scientific and technological cooperation with Kazakh universities and research centers.

Proposed areas include joint drug and vaccine production for the Eurasian market, shared regional laboratory networks, faculty and researcher exchanges, and joint research in disease prevention, molecular medicine, digital health and epidemic management.

"If a thousand years ago Avicenna, Farabi, Khwarizmi and Biruni could change the course of world civilization with their knowledge and thought, today the sons and daughters of Iran and Kazakhstan can continue that path in modern medicine, vaccines, digital health and new technologies," he said.

"We not only have a glorious past, but a bright future ahead of us," Pezeshkian added.

Iran and Kazakhstan earlier on Thursday signed several cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in Astana covering transport, transit, culture, legal assistance, health, diplomacy and media.

The two presidents also issued a joint statement pledging to deepen bilateral ties.

Pezeshkian described the accords as "a major and decisive step" toward stronger relations and voiced hope that trade and investment would reach levels "worthy" of both nations.

He said the two countries must strengthen ties to counter US unilateralism, noting a 40-percent rise in bilateral trade and readiness to implement a roadmap targeting $3 billion in annual trade.

Following this trip, Pezeshkian will also travel to Turkmenistan to attend an international summit on peace, where he is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines.

The back-to-back visits underline Iran's push to expand economic, trade and cultural links with Central Asian states through frameworks including the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS+.