Remarks by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande.
Your Excellency, Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, senior officials from both countries, let me take this opportunity to extend warm greeting to you all on this special occasion, Assalum Alaikum (peace be upon you).
South Africa appreciates the significant strides in the development of the higher education and training sector in the United Arab Emirates, investing much needed resources in research and development amongst other important areas of the sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education and Training between our two countries is a demonstration of our commitment to strengthen cooperation between our educational institutions. This occasion marks a positive step forward in our shared commitment to promoting excellence in education and providing our nations with skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s ever-changing world.
Through this partnership, we will work together to promote collaboration between our universities, colleges and training institutions, share best practices and expertise, and facilitate student and faculty exchanges. I am particularly pleased that the MoU that we are concluding today reflects these important areas of cooperation.
South Africa promotes institutional linkages between the higher education institutions, especially Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) colleges through the conclusion of direct twinning agreements between them.
As part of our efforts to address skills shortage in our country, we are hoping that your Government will also work with us to get scholarship opportunities for South African students who wish to pursue studies in your prestigious institutions. Indeed, we are looking forward to the robust implementation of this important MoU.
By leveraging our strengths and resources, we can enhance the quality of our educational offerings, expand access to new and innovative learning opportunities, and foster greater cultural understanding and cooperation between our two nations.
Let me take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to all those who have worked so hard to make this MoU a reality and to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for partnership and commitment to advance education and training between our two countries.
In conclusion, please allow me to extend an invitation to you Minister to visit South Africa at your earliest convenient time. We will prepare a programme that will give you an insight of our post-school education and training system.
Working together we can do more to advance the aspirations of the sustainable development goals of leaving no one behind.
Thank you.
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