HE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the sisterly Republic of Tunisia Olfa Benouda Sioud affirmed her country's desire to develop cooperation and partnership with the State of Qatar in the fields of education and scientific research, considering the capabilities they have and the common visions, approaches and interests they share in this regard.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Olfa Sioud said that Qatar and Tunisia share common interest and visions in regard to education as well as scientific, cultural and cognitive research, which come within the framework of a comprehensive vision based on investing in people, as they do not only constitute the base of development, but its axis and goal at the same time.

She indicated that her country is affirmatively willing to invest in this joint denominator to build a solid partnership between the two countries in the fields of education and research.

She also affirmed that the two countries are considered models in the fields of education and scientific research, and that with their capabilities and experiences, they are capable of creating transformation in the educational systems in the Arab region, through building and enhancing partnerships in this regard.

"We have great potential as well as a common orientation, which is what we came to realize during discussions, and we can build a distinct educational system that benefits all countries in the region," she said.

HE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Republic of Tunisia expressed her appreciation for the State of Qatar's continued support for Tunisia in various fields and conditions, emphasizing the distinguished relations that link the two countries, and expressing her pride for this joint cooperation and the possibility of building a distinct experience in various fields.

On her visit to the State of Qatar, she explained that she visited a number of the country's educational institutions and held fruitful meetings with several ranking officials, which focused on the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, scientific research, academic and student exchange, and teaching faculty.

Her Excellency also noted that she discussed the possibility of holding a Tunisian-Qatari forum for higher education and scientific research that can bring researchers and scientists together as a platform for continuous communication and exchange of experiences and knowledge in various fields of education and research, in addition to the possibility of launching a joint scientific digital library to support research and scientific knowledge within the framework of a vision for cooperation that includes a number of joint initiatives.

In this context, she praised Qatar's experience in the field of launching international education forums, which distinguished Qatar's presence in the education field.

She also hailed Qatar National Library's (QNL) uniqueness, considering it highly impressive, and considering Qatar praiseworthy and deserving of recognition for this remarkable cultural achievement.