RIYADH, June 25. /Dunyo IA/. Diplomats from the Embassy of Uzbekistan held a meeting with Edward Byrne, President of the Saudi Arabian University of Science and Technology, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the conversation, prospects for developing cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and academic interaction were reviewed. The Saudi side was provided with detailed information on the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years, aimed at expanding higher education coverage, aligning the quality of training with international standards, developing science, and establishing branches of leading foreign universities.

President of the university, Edward Byrne, noted Uzbekistan's achievements in the field of education and highly praised the contribution of great Uzbek scholars to the development of world science. As a sign of respect for this historical heritage, he announced that one of the central campus buildings at KAUST University has been named in honour of the legendary scholar Al-Khwarizmi.

During the conversation, the head of the university also emphasized that this institution serves as a key driver for the Kingdom's transformation in innovation and high technology, ranks among the leading scientific institutions in the Arab world, and accounts for approximately 70% of all scientific research conducted in the country.

It is reported that KAUST focuses on addressing global challenges such as food security, water resources, energy, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence. Education is conducted entirely in English, exclusively at the master's and doctoral levels, and is fully funded (on a scholarship basis). Additionally, students and researchers are provided with monthly stipends and free accommodation.

Currently, eight citizens of Uzbekistan are studying and conducting research activities at this prestigious institution. Edward Byrne expressed his readiness to create all necessary conditions to increase the number of talented young students from Uzbekistan and to cooperate closely with the country's relevant ministries and agencies.

During the negotiations, an agreement was reached to organize a working visit of a KAUST delegation to Uzbekistan in September of this year.

Within the framework of the visit, it is planned to sign cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, the “El-Yurt Umidi” Foundation, New Uzbekistan University, as well as other leading higher education and research institutions, alongside the launch of joint scientific projects.