Within the framework of co-operation with foreign universities, a Council for Strategic Partnership has been created. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Tamara Duisenova at a meeting with heads of foreign universities.

On behalf of the Head of State, active work is being carried out to establish strategic partnerships with leading universities of the world. At present 23 foreign universities are already operating in different regions of Kazakhstan. At the meeting with their heads, Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the interest of the Kazakhstani side in strengthening ties.

"It is important to discuss and jointly work out proposals for the development of co-operation. I believe that it is necessary to keep this format of work and jointly solve emerging issues. In this regard, it is proposed to create a Council for work with strategic partners under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This Council will become a permanent platform for exchange of opinions and search for innovative solutions, taking into account the interests of all participants," Tamara Duisenova noted.

Currently, there are various formats of co-operation with universities from more than 20 countries. At the meeting the necessity to develop a single common rule of strategic partnership was outlined. It was emphasised that it would not affect the academic and managerial freedom of universities.

Deputy Prime Minister said that the comprehensive partnership would be aimed at developing scientific research and transferring advanced educational programmes and teaching methods, which would ensure high standards of education. She also emphasised that cooperation in joint scientific projects will be continued.

‘’The Law on Science and Technology Policy' opens additional opportunities in this direction. It is important for us to apply scientific achievements for the benefit of the economy, which contributes to increasing competitiveness. Research universities play a key role in this process," Tamara Duisenova added.

During the meeting, representatives of foreign universities supported the idea of creating the Council and introducing common rules of strategic partnership. There was also an exchange of views on deepening further co-operation.

"I support the idea to form a rating and ranking of universities. Competition is the basis of development," Heriot-Watt University Rector Mark Biggs emphasised.

A branch of this university was opened on the basis of Aktobe University named after K. Zhubanov.

Dmitry Savkin, Vice-Rector of the Russian National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, also supported his colleague.

"Joint work on personnel training is important for us. We are also interested in deepening co-operation in research activities," Dmitry Savkin noted.

#Education #Science #Tamara Duisenova