The Saudi Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, participated Tuesday in roundtable discussions between the Saudi and British universities held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Riyadh.
The meeting was attended by the British Prime Minister's Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education, Professor Sir Steve Smith, as well as higher education leaders and representatives from various universities in both countries.
The minister welcomes Smith and representatives of British and Saudi universities in his opening speech, acknowledging the role of roundtable discussions in enhancing the continuous strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of education.
He noted that this partnership commenced in 2018 when Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the British Prime Minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic educational partnership between the two countries.
"Our strategic partnership focuses on six main fields, which include building a stronger and deeper partnership in the field of education, supporting the professional development of Saudi educators, and enhancing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Additionally, it involves strengthening collaboration and partnerships in higher education, including research cooperation, student scholarships, and cross-border education," Al-Benyan said, SPA reported.
The minister also emphasized the importance of working within this partnership, announcing the opening of two British universities in the Kingdom by 2025. He also noted the activation of student exchange programs in Saudi universities to ensure that Saudi students receive the latest knowledge and practical training.
Moreover, he highlighted enhancing research opportunities for scholars from both countries and establishing joint research projects leading to high-quality outcomes.
