ISLAMABAD, July 3: Pakistan and Turkey are discussing to develop an executive protocol for enhanced cooperation in the field of higher education and research for the years 2003-2005.

This was discussed at a meeting of the Turkish ambassador Hasan Kemal Gur who called on Prof (Dr) Attaur Rahman, Chairman Higher Education Commission here on Thursday.

Dr Rehman expressed his interest in fostering bilateral cooperation between the two states with regard to higher education. He also briefed the Turkish envoy of current collaborative efforts initiated by Pakistan with other countries.

Recognizing the quality of higher education in Turkey, particularly in biotechnology, engineering, natural sciences and social sciences sectors, the HEC chairman expressed his interest in arranging programmes by which Pakistani students could attend leading Turkish universities for their PhD education, collaborative research and training.

Dr Rehman and Mr Gur agreed to set up a joint committee to identify the fields of cooperation on the basis of information delivered by higher educational institutions of each country and the national policies in higher education sector.

The joint committee, once set up, would formulate a plan of action to encourage exchange fo experience resulting from the bilateral cooperation in higher education and research. The committee will also evaluate research oriented proposals for further development.