RIYADH: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf stressed Sunday the role of Gulf universities in promoting knowledge and scientific research in line with the Saudi King's vision approved in 2015.

Al-Hajraf and Rector of Sultan Qaboos University Dr Fahad Said, signed a memorandum of understanding between the University and the Riyadh-based GCC, according to a statement by the GCC Secretariat. Al-Hajraf stated that Gulf universities and research centers have to establish academic programs in order to study the complementary experience for Gulf countries.

The memorandum focuses on enhancing exchange expertise and scientific knowledge that GCC usually holds, besides holding seminars and training programs in Gulf countries. Al-Hajraf added that the memorandum comes within the efforts of the General Secretariat to encourage and support partnerships and scientific research between Gulf educational institutions and bodies, based on the basic objectives of the Cooperation Council and in implementation of the decisions of the leaders of the GCC countries.

The memorandum of understanding aims to enhance the exchange of experiences, studies and scientific research that will contribute to the work of the joint Gulf committees held by the General Secretariat and holding seminars, conferences and joint training programs to develop scientific cadres in educational institutions and agencies in the GCC countries. - KUNA