They are relevant to the comment I replied to. If you think that scientific progress is not a valid technique to improve the standing of one's nation or religion, then I think you've got it wrong.
Even in the western world, I am not aware of a single example where a religious community is funding research without taking influence and without using it to advance their own goals. There surely is no shortage in dubious research institutes funded by christian sects or even more moderate entities.
There is little disagreement in the scientific community about keeping science separate from religion and preferrably even the state.