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The Ambassador of Somalia, H.E. Sheikh Noor Mohamed Hassan, recently met with the President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, at the university’s new campus in Islamabad. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening academic cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan, with both sides emphasizing the importance of educational partnerships and student support initiatives.
During the visit, the Somali Ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions of IIUI in educating Somali students, noting that many prominent figures in Somalia, including government ministers and individuals holding key positions, are proud alumni of the institution. He acknowledged the university’s lasting impact on Somali education and stressed the need for further collaboration between IIUI and Somali educational institutions to empower the next generation of leaders.
President Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed welcomed the ambassador warmly and highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance its facilities for international students. He mentioned that IIUI represents over 40 nationalities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and global academic cooperation. The president also outlined plans for a dedicated hostel facility for foreign students, emphasizing the institution’s goal of creating a supportive and culturally diverse learning environment.
The Somali delegation included the Second Secretary of the Somali Embassy, Mohamed Abdirahman Hersi, who is also a graduate of IIUI. His presence served as a testament to the university’s longstanding influence on Somali professionals and the enduring academic bridge between the two nations.
Both parties agreed on the importance of fostering deeper academic and cultural ties through exchange programs, scholarships, and collaborative research projects. The Somali Ambassador specifically praised IIUI’s initiatives aimed at making higher education accessible to students from developing countries, highlighting Somalia’s status as a member nation of the Islamic Development Bank and the potential benefits of further partnerships.
The meeting also addressed the broader diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Pakistan, emphasizing the role of educational diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties. Ambassador Sheikh Noor reiterated his commitment to encouraging more Somali students to pursue education at IIUI and other Pakistani institutions, citing the high standards of education and cultural compatibility between the two countries.
President Dr. Shuja Syed echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that IIUI’s vision aligns with the broader goal of promoting educational excellence across the Muslim world. He shared his personal experiences working closely with Somali students, describing them as highly talented and motivated individuals capable of making significant contributions to their homeland.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to explore collaborative opportunities, including faculty exchange programs, joint academic conferences, and expanded scholarship programs for Somali students. Both sides expressed optimism about the positive impact of these initiatives on the long-term development of Somalia’s education sector and the strengthening of Pakistan-Somalia relations.
This diplomatic meeting highlights the power of educational cooperation as a bridge between nations, emphasizing the importance of providing quality education to students from developing countries. IIUI’s dedication to expanding its support for foreign students while maintaining academic excellence continues to position it as a key player in international education collaboration.