Naimi said "In line with the three functions of the KAUST, namely contribution to turning the society into a society of knowledge, supporting science and scientists locally and internationally, as well as benefiting from the researches in economic development, the university will sign partnership and cooperation agreements with several pioneering universities and research centers around the world." "We will work to accelerate the wheel of scientific progress in the Kingdom and the world," he said. " As such, I can say this university is not only a source of pride for the Saudi leadership and people, but it is also a humanitarian gift and a beginning for a promising future." He recalled that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz was thinking about this university since the last 25 years. The Kingdom is the suitable place for this modern university which will benefit the Saudis and other societies. Al-Naimi added that the Islamic civilization had produced a number of most brilliant personalities and gifted scientists who positively contributed to the enriching of the human civilization and the development of sciences, medicine, engineering, mathematics and other domains. He pointed out that the university will constitute a house of wisdom in the modern time and a center of knowledge in the region. The minister reiterated that all persons working for the implementation of this gigantic project will dedicate their efforts for realizing the wise vision after its establishment. --MORE
