Australian Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Saudi Arabian Minister for Higher Education, His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Ankary, today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Higher Education to build on the cooperative ties between the two nations.

The Memorandum builds on existing links in higher education between the two nations and confirms the Australian Government’s partnership with Saudi Arabia in Higher Education.

Ms Gillard said today’s visit allowed the two ministers to discuss their commitment to sharing information and resources between Australian and Saudi Arabian higher education institutions.

The Memorandum encourages research cooperation and the exchange of academic staff, researchers and students between nations.

It will boost educational cooperation between Australia and Saudi Arabia by supporting international scholarships and student mobility.

The Memorandum also encourages the translation of each nation’s distinguished research to allow the sharing of expertise.

Minister Al Ankary was in Australia as part of a week long visit, leading a delegation of 26 senior officials including a number of Deputy Ministers and Vice Chancellors.

In Canberra, His Excellency Minister Al Ankary met with the Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Minister Al Ankary also met senior officials at Australian universities and CSIRO.

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