ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has assured to consider revisiting the rules of non-recognition of degrees from Virtual University (VU) and Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
In a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki in Islamabad on Thursday, the Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the issue of non-recognition of degrees of Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University by the Saudi Higher Education System.
The 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.
Rana Tanveer told the Saudi ambassador that the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training 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 the Saudi assistance as agreed between the two Countries on his last visit to KSA
The federal minister said that a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Education and Professional Training to oversee, pursue and coordinate the entire collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has been formulated and stressed the importance of operationalizing the JWG in order to enhance cooperation between the two Countries.
The minister 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.
The Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki assured the minister of utmost support in all domains.
Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki highlighted that Saudi Arabia provides fully funded 683 scholarships to Pakistani students to enhance cultural exchange.
The envoy reiterated the resolve of the government of KSA to further develop broad based cooperation with the government of Pakistan.
