The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia have signed a protocol amending and extending a scientific and technological cooperation agreement to improve the research, development, and innovation sector in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.
The agreement was signed by KACST President Dr. Mounir bin Mahmoud El-Desouky and US Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Martina Strong, in the presence of several officials from the two countries.
The scientific and technological cooperation protocol aims to improve Saudi Arabia’s and the US’ scientific and technological potential, widen the scope of relations between the two countries’ scientific and technological communities, encourage cooperation in fields of mutual benefit for peaceful purposes, and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, information, skills, and technological methods.
The 10-year cooperation also contributes to realizing joint goals in research fields for science and technology and supports partnerships between public and private research institutions to include all spectra of science, engineering and technology.
This collaboration is in line with KACST’s support of the kingdom’s National Research, Development and Innovation Strategy, for which it prepared a plan for science, technology and innovation, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) and scientific support services for universities and research centers.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest more than $6.4 billion in future technologies and entrepreneurship in order to solidify the kingdom’s position as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s largest digital economy.
