the Saudi Arabian government on co-operation in the field of higher education
(HE)
4 December 2006
The Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, MP, who is currently on an
official visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday, 3 December 2006, signed a MoU on
co-operation in field of HE, on behalf of the government of the Republic of
South Africa, with the Saudi Arabian government Minister of Higher Education,
Dr Khaled Al-Angari.
The MoU is attached below.
MoU between the government South Africa represented by the Department of
Education, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Higher
Education, on co-operation in the field of HE.
The government of the Republic of South Africa through its Department of
Education and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its
Ministry of Higher Education, hereafter jointly referred to as the "parties"
and in the singular as a "party."
Desiring to strengthen existing cordial relations between the two countries
and to increase the level of co-operation in educational fields.
Taken into consideration the co-operation agreement in the economic,
commercial, investment and arts fields concluded between the governments of the
Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dated 20 May 1999,
corresponding to 5 Safar 1420.
In accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit within the
legal framework and domestic laws of both countries and the available
means.
Hereby agree as follows:
Article 1
Exchange of visits
The parties shall encourage the exchange of visits by HE officials, academic
staff and researchers of their respective countries' institutions of HE to
familiarise themselves with the higher educational systems of each other and to
strengthen co-operation in the fields of mutual interest.
Article 2
Direct institutional relations
The parties shall encourage the establishment of direct academic and
educational relations between their respective institutions of higher education
(IHE) and research as well as the exchange of academic staff and
researchers.
Article 3
Exchange of expertise
The parties shall encourage the exchange of expertise and experience in
academic, technical and administrative fields in their respective IHEs,
universities and research centres.
Article 4
Co-operation in research
The parties shall encourage co-operation in various fields of research and
especially in the field of applied sciences at their respective IHE.
Article 5
Training of personnel
The parties shall encourage the creation of opportunities for training
personnel at their respective IHE in all fields of mutual interest.
Article 6
Recognition of qualifications
The parties shall facilitate the mutual recognition of qualifications
granted by their respective IHE subject to their applicable domestic laws.
Article 7
Student scholarships
The parties shall in accordance with their applicable domestic laws
endeavour to facilitate scholarships to study at each other's IHE if
possible.
Article 8
Exchange programmes
The parties shall encourage their respective IHE to facilitate student
exchange programmes.
Article 9
Educational and cultural weeks
The parties shall encourage the holding of educational and cultural weeks
and days at their respective academic and educational institutions, which shall
include lectures, symposia, conferences and book exhibitions.
Article 10
Exchange of information
The parties shall encourage the exchange of educational and literary
information between their IHE.
Article 11
Cultural exchange
Each party shall encourage the study of language, literature, culture and
history of the other party and they shall also encourage their respective IHE
on to translate each other's distinguished literary works.
Article 12
Undertaking
The parties shall not use the information obtained through this MoU except
for the special purposes agreed upon. Each party shall guard against the
conveying of the exchanged information to any third party without the written
consent of the other party.
Article 13
Resolution of disputes
Disputes between the parties arising out of the interpretation, application
and implementation of the provisions of this MoU shall be resolved amicably
through consultation or negotiation between the parties.
Article 14
Amendment
This MoU may be amended by mutual consent of the parties through an exchange
of notes between the parties through the diplomatic channels.
Article 15
Entry into force, duration and termination
1. The parties shall notify one another through the diplomatic channels once
their necessary legal procedures for the validation of this MoU have been
completed. The date of entry into force shall be the date of the last
notification between them.
2. This MoU shall remain in force for a period of five years, whereafter it
shall be automatically renewed for additional periods of one year at a time,
unless terminated by either party by giving at least six months written notice
in advance to the other party through diplomatic channels of its intention to
terminate it.
3. In case of termination, the provisions of this MoU shall remain effective
for programmes and projects that were carried out under its framework or those
that have not yet been completed or the duties that originate from this MoU and
have not yet been settled in accordance with its provisions.
In witness whereof, the undersigned being duly authorised thereto by their
respective governments, have signed this MoU in two originals each in the
English and Arabic languages, all the texts being equally authentic.
Done at Riyadh on 3 December 2006, corresponding to 12 Thu Al-Qidah 1427
(H).
Contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education
4 December 2006
