U.S. Supports Science, Technology, and Education in Pakistan

Islamabad, May 29, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Stroh, Spokesperson
0308-555-0591

68/2012

During the U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter’s visit to COMSATS Institute of Information Technology he commended COMSATS for building strong institutional linkages with U.S. universities, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and North Dakota State University. Through these institutional partnerships, COMSATS has sent students and faculty to collaborate with their American counterparts at these universities, then return to Pakistan to build the country’s cadre of technical experts. To address Pakistan’s energy needs, for example, COMSATS and North Dakota State University students have collaborated to design solar-powered water heaters. This is just one shining success of the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement signed by both countries in 2003, which connects 36 of Pakistan’s finest universities and research centers with 58 American universities.

Building further on this successful cooperation, the United States and Pakistan are establishing the Centers for Advanced Studies in water, agriculture, and energy at three Pakistani universities. This collaboration brings together the best minds in academia, government, and the business community to research and develop solutions to meet the food, water, and energy demands of a growing population, while contributing to broad-based economic growth in Pakistan.

“The Science and Technology Agreement and the Centers for Advanced Studies pave the way forward in U.S.-Pak relations. Students represent the future; they are the country’s future policy makers, academics, and business leaders, and their leadership will help to bring our important bilateral relationship closer to one based in trade, not just aid. The United States is proud to be partners with Pakistan to support the science, technology, and education sectors,” stated Ambassador Munter.

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