By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain received the Saudi Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, on Thursday in his office.
Rana Tanveer welcomed Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and said that the KSA is highly close to the hearts of the people of Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Minister highlighted the brotherly relationship between the two countries and praised the hospitality shown to Pakistanis by the people of Saudi Arabia.
Minister said that a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Education and Professional Training to oversee, pursue and coordinate the entire collaboration between the two countries has been formulated and stressed the importance of operationalizing the JWG to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Both Leaders Discuss Education
Rana Tanveer told him that the Ministry of FE & PT had submitted a comprehensive proposal for uplifting National Skills University and establishing another multifaceted skill entity to be set up in Pakistan with Saudi assistance, as agreed between the two countries on his last visit to KSA.
Similarly, Rana Tanveer highlighted the non-recognition of degrees from Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University by the Saudi Higher Education System. Minister was briefed that the Saudi Authorities do not recognize distance learning but were assured that they will formulate a strategy to address this issue. Hence, KSA would consider revisiting the rules of non-recognition of degrees from Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University.
Rana Tanveer was briefed about the updated status of the implementation of the agreement signed between Takamol (KSA) and NAVTTC. He was told that the training has started in 23 skill trades, the web portal has been operationalized, qualifications developed, and test assessment centers have also been identified.
Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki assured the Minister of utmost support in all domains. He highlighted that KSA provides fully funded 683 scholarships to Pakistani students to enhance cultural exchange. He reiterated the resolve of the government of KSA to further develop broad-based cooperation with the government of Pakistan.
Rana Tanveer thanked Nawaf and highlighted the cordial and friendly relations between the two countries. Minister said that the two countries had shared history and literature.
