PESHAWAR - Afghan and Pakistani officials, agreeing on collaboration in the area of higher education, have signaled their intention to work on a joint venture that will be finalised with the approval of both countries.
Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal and Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed reached the agreement during a meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency.
Dr. Ahmed briefed the delegates on HEC’s initiatives and achievements over the last 13 years, saying the government’s commitment to promoting higher education and a considerable increase in funding had brought remarkable changes to the sector.
The ambassador thanked the people of Pakistan for hosting three million refugees for over three decades. He agreed cooperation in the field of education would play a key role in bringing the governments and peoples of the two countries closer.
Both sides agreed to work on a joint mechanism to be finalised with approval of both countries. The HEC chairman also offered help to Afghanistan in improving the quality of higher education, curriculum development and teacher training.
Dr. Ahmed noted Afghanistan and Pakistan had a number of commonalities in their society and culture and had always enjoyed a brotherly relationship. Education is the biggest tool of strengthening the bonds, he added. (Pajhwok)