ISESCO, Arab Gulf Program sign cooperation agreement

The Rabat-based Islamic, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Arab Gulf Program for supporting UN Development Organizations signed here Thursday a cooperation agreement.

The agreement, initialed by ISESCO director general Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri and the Arab gulf program president Prince Talal Ibn Abdelaziz, defines the fields of cooperation between the two parties, which involve the extension of human, social, cultural and educational services, exchange of visits, holding of conferences and training sessions, as well as supporting specialized centers and research works in these areas.

The agreement also provides for cooperation in spreading health education and health care, preservation of environment and its resources, in addition to supporting universities and Islamic Studies Centers to help achieve the objectives of those institutions and contribute to the dissemination and development of scientific and technological research in the Muslim World, by making use of the most advanced communication means.

The cooperation agreement provides for the support of translation in the field of modern science and technology to help ISESCO's member states join the bandwagon of scientific advancement, as well as for modernizing programs and activities on special education, protecting children from the consequences of retardation, impairment or handicap, and helping them integrate normal life, and in particular children from regions hard-hit by wars or natural disasters.

Prince Talal, who commended the role played by ISESCO in backing up the development of the Muslim World in the areas of education, science and culture, donated US$ 500,000 as a contribution to the construction of ISESCO's permanent headquarters.