Pakistan, USA reaffirm commitment to strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people ties

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2026) Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui received Congressman Michael James Baumgartner, U.S. Representative for Washington's 5th Congressional District, and Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke, U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st Congressional District and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, for a bilateral meeting.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, the Chairman of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Mr. Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, the Secretary of the Ministry, and senior officials of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, said a press release on Monday.

The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the field of cybersecurity education and capacity building.

The Federal Minister highlighted the importance of developing specialised cybersecurity courses and certification programmes to equip students and professionals with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging digital security challenges. Both sides also expressed interest in promoting partnerships between Pakistani and United States universities and institutions for curriculum development, faculty collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing in cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.

Federal Minister warmly welcomed the visiting United States Congressional Delegation to Pakistan and expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States.

The Government of Pakistan reaffirmed that its relationship with the United States remains an important pillar of its foreign policy and noted with satisfaction that bilateral relations continue to move on a positive trajectory.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement to maintain this momentum and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, energy, minerals, health, education, and agriculture. Federal Minister also welcomed the resumption of Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visits and expressed the hope that such exchanges would become a regular feature of bilateral engagement.

The meeting highlighted the importance of educational cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The Federal Minister appreciated the continued success of the Fulbright Program and other United States-sponsored academic exchange initiatives, which remain fully funded, merit-based, and accessible to students and scholars across Pakistan through the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).

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He encouraged wider participation from all provinces and academic disciplines, particularly in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, health, education, and climate-related studies.

It was noted that more than 44,000 Pakistanis have benefited from United States Government exchange programmes, reflecting a significant investment in human capital and people-to-people ties. The Federal Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding and expanding academic collaboration with the United States through stronger partnerships between universities and research institutions.

The two sides discussed opportunities to establish joint research centres, dual-degree programmes, faculty exchanges, and collaborative initiatives in public health, climate resilience, water management, food security, and teacher education, while fully respecting the legal and regulatory frameworks of both countries. They also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development.

Recognising the growing emphasis on critical technology security and evolving immigration and visa policies, the Federal Minister observed that United States universities and industries continue to value international STEM talent. He reiterated Pakistan's readiness to serve as a reliable partner in information technology and innovation by promoting collaboration between Pakistani technology companies, universities, and their United States counterparts in information technology, financial technology, and agricultural technology.

The meeting also explored opportunities for targeted mobility programmes, short-term research exchanges, virtual laboratories, and joint innovation incubators to promote research, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Both sides acknowledged that education, scholarships, and innovation remain among the most effective avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation and fostering mutual understanding.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training reaffirmed its commitment to expanding educational cooperation with the United States and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration in education, research, innovation, and emerging technologies would further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.