Saudi Arabia's Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from different universities, institutes and research centers in China. He was joined by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli.
The meeting, which was part of the minister's visit to Beijing, was aimed at seeking new channels of cooperation to develop the educational and research systems in the two countries. The minister addressed lucrative investment possibilities in Saudi public and private education sectors through the 'Invest Saudi' portal.
The gathering also highlighted the scholarship program by the Saudi government for Chinese students under the 'Study in Saudi' portal, in addition to cooperation aimed at opening wider doors for admission for Saudi scholarship recipients to Chinese graduate schools. The Saudi and Chinese ministries of education signed two memoranda of cooperation to share experience in advanced curricula and offer scholarship programs for Saudi students in China.
One memorandum guarantees places for Saudi students in leading Chinese universities, expands scholarship programs, and expands opportunities for Saudi students in high-demanding fields. The China Scholarship Council acted on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Education in signing.
The second memo, signed with the Chinese ministry's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, establishes Chinese language study in Saudi public schools beginning this academic year. Both countries' experts will work together to create a full curriculum.
The Saudi minister also met Chinese counterpart Huai Jinpeng to discuss the improvement of cooperation in general and higher education, opening new opportunities, and the exchange of expertise. The session covered broadening collaborations between Chinese and Saudi universities and research institutions in scientific studies, graduate programs, scholarships, and medical training and education.
They looked at potential investments for Chinese investors in the Saudi education sector, as well as major opportunities in Chinese language instruction, e-learning, research, and innovation.
