Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain received the Saudi Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki today in his office on 2nd March, 2023.
Rana Tanveer welcomed His Excellency Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and said that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is extremely 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 relation 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 two countries has been formulated and stressed the importance of operationalizing the JWG in order to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Rana Tanveer told His Excellency that Ministry of FE & PT has submitted a comprehensive proposal for the uplifting of National Skills University and establishment of 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 issue of non-recognition of degrees of 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 was 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 implementation of agreement signed between Takamol (KSA) and NAVTTC. He was told that the trainings have started in 23 skill trades, web portal has been operationalized, and qualifications developed and test assessment centers have also been identified.
His Excellency Mr. 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.
Federal Minister thanked the Ambassador and highlighted the cordial and friendly relations between the two countries. Minister said that the two countries have shared history and literature. He said that there is a bonhomie between the two people. He stated that the two countries should enhance and fine tune their mutual relation.
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