KUALA LUMPUR, 13 September 2013 - Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman attended a dinner hosted by Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Shahid M G Kiani at his official residence here this evening.

Also present was the First Secretary of the Pakistan High Commissioner, Murad Ali Wazir, and specially invited guests of the Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia.

“This occasion is for getting to know our close friends better, especially among the leaders of higher education in Malaysia as well as to foster closer relationship with one another,” said Shahid.

The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the close relationship between USM with Pakistan and hoped that there will be more opportunities to work together in the future.

“USM certainly hope to further strengthen this relationship, moreover with the understanding signed with the University of Peshawar, particularly in the field of archaeology to allow Professor Dr. Mokhtar Saidin and the Global Archaeological Research Centre to conduct research and excavation work, and train more staff from Peshawar to continue the research work in preserving the sites,” said Omar.

Both parties agree to work towards strengthening the existing relationship especially in the areas of academic and research collaborations. The Vice-Chancellor is expected to make an official visit to Pakistan in November to explore opportunities for cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations in the field of higher education with the universities of Pakistan. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photos: Mohamad Abdullah