Saudi, Malaysia bolster ties 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark agreement on science and technology as well as a memorandum of understanding on standardization to further strengthen bilateral ties, according to Malaysian Ambassador Syed Omar Al-Saggaf.

"The first Saudi-Malaysian Joint Committee on Science and Technology agreed to collaborate in energy and life sciences as well as in information and communication technology and multimedia incubation during a meeting last Tuesday," Al-Saggaf said yesterday.

Both countries agreed to focus in three areas: education and training, joint research and development projects that have high visibility and strong impact to the community and matters related to policy and procedures between the two countries.

"It is a historic day for both nations since it marks the beginning of a stronger partnership in science and technology between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia," said Abdulaziz M. Alswailem, vice president for Scientific Research Support at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

Alswailem led the Saudi side while Datuk Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Malaysian deputy minister of science, technology and innovation, headed the Malaysian delegation at the meeting.

Datuk Haji Fadillah expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom for the "tremendous cooperation and support during the meeting."

Fadilah Baharin, director general of the Malaysian Department of Standards, signed the agreement on standardization for Malaysia while Nabil A. Molla, governor of the Saudi Standards, Meteorology and Quality Organization (SASO), signed on behalf of the Kingdom.

Al-Saggaf said the agreement is important since standardization facilitates trade by reducing technical barriers, adding that it aims to promote understanding on development standards and share information and experience on standardization activities.

"The early feedback on the areas where the two countries will collaborate was positive," the Malaysian envoy said.

He added since Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are both members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the signing of the agreement acknowledges the role of each country in standardization activities.

"It will also strengthen further the collaboration between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia on matters of mutual interest to both countries," Al-Saggaf said.