Pakistan and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, research, cyber security and emerging technologies during a meeting between Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and a visiting US Congressional delegation, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
The US delegation included Congressmen Michael James Baumgartner and Ryan Keith Zinke.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, the ministry's secretary and senior officials also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, both sides described educational cooperation as an important pillar of bilateral relations and discussed measures to promote research, curriculum development, faculty exchange and capacity building, particularly in the field of cyber security.
The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration in information technology, FinTech, agricultural technology and other emerging technologies.
Pakistan proposed expanding joint research centres, dual-degree programmes and faculty exchange between Pakistani and US universities.
The meeting noted that more than 44,000 Pakistani students, scholars and professionals have benefited from US educational exchange programmes, including the Fulbright Programme, which both sides described as an important initiative for strengthening people-to-people ties.
Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to serving as a reliable partner in science, technology and innovation.
He also appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani-American community and acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani-American medical professionals.
Both sides agreed that closer cooperation in education, research and innovation would further strengthen Pakistan-US relations.