Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Taleb, the Saudi Cultural Attaché to Australia, met in his office in Canberra a delegation from “Universities Australia” headed by Professor Scott Sheppard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development), Queensland University of Technology, and Chair of Universities Australia Deputy Vice-Chancellor International Executive Group, in presence of Dr. Abbas Brashi the Deputy Attaché for Cultural and Social Affairs; Aiman Al-Saleh, manager of Admission and Academic Attestation Unit; and Marwan Ezzulddin, Quality and Development coordinator. The Universities Australia delegation also included Mr Kelly Smith, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), La Trobe University; Dr. Renee Kyle, Policy Director (International), Universities Australia. The visit aimed at strengthening co-operation between the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) and Universities Australia.
The Cultural Attaché toured with the delegation throughout SACM’s departments, explaining the role of each department and highlighting SACM’s contribution to enriching educational, cultural and scientific exchange between Saudi Arabia and Australia. The delegation was also briefed about the services and support SACM provides to Saudi students in Australia and their companions, as well as SACM’s initiatives and development programs.
A meeting was held at the office of the Cultural Attaché, discussing and addressing a number of issues related to Saudi students in Australian universities, in order to facilitate their study and academic life. Ways to strengthen the relations between SACM and Australian universities were also discussed. The meeting included a presentation about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, highlighting co-operation opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Australia offered by programs and initiatives of the Vision in educational and cultural fields.
Universities Australia is the peak body representing the university sector with the decision makers in Australia and the world.