In a significant step towards enhancing international academic cooperation, Qatar University (QU) president Dr Omar al-Ansari, held a meeting with Ivana Pejovic, charge d'affaires at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meeting focused on enhancing academic relations through bilateral ties and student exchange programmes between QU and the University of Sarajevo (UNSA), a statement explained.
Various means of promoting academic cooperation between QU and UNSA were discussed. The highlights included the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, fostering student exchanges, the possibility of offering scholarships for Bosnian students at QU, and the urgent need for an Arabic language lecturer at the UNSA as part of an effort to enhance faculty exchange programmes.
Though QU currently offers two scholarship positions to Bosnian students through the Academic National Network for Scholarships, the discussions revolved around the expansion of this programme, with the aim of accommodating more talented students from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pejovic invited Dr al-Ansari to visit UNSA and officially sign the renewed MoU. She expressed her intent to explore the possibility of Bosnian universities participating in QU's upcoming November conferences, which span a wide array of academic disciplines and serve as a platform for scholars, researchers, and students to exchange ideas and knowledge.
Dr al-Ansari, said: “The meeting represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance academic ties with UNSA. We believe that education is a powerful tool for building bridges between nations, and we are committed to promoting mutual cooperation.”
Pejovic said: “We look forward to future cooperation, especially concerning outstanding Bosnian students. Additionally, the possibility of exchanging experts and Arabic language lecturers at our university is a great prospect.”
A view of QU campus.