ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Thursday have committed to enhancing their educational cooperation, with a focus on boosting collaboration between Pakistani and Russian universities, especially in emerging technologies.

This development was confirmed during a meeting held in Islamabad.

A high-level Russian delegation, led by Andrey Korneev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, and Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, visited the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training.

The delegation also included the Consultant of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, an Associate Professor from Ural State Pedagogical University, and officials from the Russian Embassy in Pakistan.

Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Education & Professional Training, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s educational achievements and challenges. The discussions focused on deepening educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

According to an official press release, the meeting reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral educational cooperation and ways to enhance it.

Both sides expressed a strong commitment to enhancing collaboration, particularly in emerging technologies.

The Pakistani side emphasised a desire to increase university partnerships, while the Russian Deputy Minister highlighted efforts to promote the Russian language in Pakistan and strengthen educational links.

As per the press release, an agreement was reached to establish a Russian Facilitation Centre in Islamabad to assist students seeking admissions to Russian educational institutes. Additionally, the Russian delegation expressed their willingness to organise a Russian Educational Expo in Pakistan to strengthen educational ties and promote technology-based industrial linkages.

The delegation also visited Islamabad College for Girls (ICG), Sector F-6/2, and commended the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for its efforts in advancing pedagogical initiatives, with a special emphasis on girls’ education. Both sides agreed to finalise plans at the upcoming Joint Working Group Meeting, expected in October 2024.

The year 2025 is anticipated to be pivotal in advancing Pakistan-Russia educational collaboration.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2024