Minister of Education Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, and President and CEO of Saudi Aramco Khalid A. Al-Falih, exchange documents after signing a MoU to boost the quality of general education in the Kingdom. — Courtesy photo Sultan Al-Sughair Saudi Gazette DHAHRAN — The Ministry of Education and Saudi Aramco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that paves the way for a range of company initiatives designed to boost the quality of general education in the Kingdom. The MoU was signed by Minister of Education Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, and President and CEO of Saudi Aramco Khalid A. Al-Falih, recently. The Ministry of Education, Prince Faisal said, is working to revive coordination and communication with different ministries, organizations, agencies and the private sector. "Effective community partnership is not only in applying joint programs and plans under the management and capabilities of cooperating parties, it is the national responsibility of all to develop the community,” he said. Prince Faisal said the partnership with Saudi Aramco fits with the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah that seeks to place the Kingdom, its products and services at the pinnacle of international standards. Deputy Minister of Education for Girls Nora Al-Fayez said: “Based on the commitment of the Ministry of Education in realizing the integrated role of community partnership in the education development process, our desire has met with Saudi Aramco's desire for joint cooperation and common activities aimed at supporting the ministry's programs to improve the overall quality of general education and enhance the organizational partnership with local establishments.” Al-Falih emphasized that the MoU is the first of its kind between Saudi Aramco and the Ministry of Education. “Through this, we firmly renew the close partnership that has been continuing for decades and has produced — for us and for the ministry — distinguished experience in the field of education,” he said. Al-Falih explained that signing the MoU represented one of the benefits of Saudi Aramco's strategy in corporate citizenship, which is based on four pillars: economy, community, environment and knowledge. Al-Falih emphasized that knowledge attainment remains the most important means through which to accelerate the Kingdom's progress and development and help it pull level with developed countries in industry and technology. “Therefore, we are utilizing the company's capabilities and efforts to serve and develop this vital field as far as we possibly can — whether inside the company or through our multiple national participation in general and higher education — and contributing to the awareness of the community.”
