Education holds the key to the success of developing countries, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed said during a visit to Qatar Foundation (QF) yesterday.
He was given an insight into QF’s efforts in the fields of education, science and research, and community development during his time at Education City, where he toured the 2015 building (QF Headquarters).
Speaking during his visit, Mohamed emphasised the role of education in a nation’s development, while highlighting the potential areas of collaboration between Qatar and Malaysia.
“There are certain similarities between our countries, such as our environments, and I believe we can work together very closely in areas such as this,” he said. “Qatar is also very strong in the context of oil and gas, as Malaysia is on a smaller scale.”
The prime minister also praised Qatar’s “pioneering efforts” in areas such as food security, including through the establishment of dairy farms, and spoke of his admiration for the ecosystem of learning QF has created at Education City.
“Having many universities together in one place, devoted to different disciplines, is a unique idea,” he said. “Qatar is fortunate to have this, and I am sure it means future generations of Qataris will be extremely well-educated.”