SAUDI ARABIA'S MINISTER OF HAJJ AND UMRAH MET WITH KAZNU TEACHERS

Today, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tawfiq bin Fawzan bin Muhammad Al-Rabiah, visited al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The distinguished guest was welcomed by the First Vice-Rector of the university, E. Duysenov.

During the visit, faculty and students had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers directly from the Saudi Minister. B. Jubatova, Director of the Center for Arabic Studies, inquired about the role of the university in supporting Saudi initiatives in organizing Hajj and Umrah, cooperation in science, and joint research projects. In response, the Minister expressed readiness to support the Center for Arabic Studies at KazNU and assist in establishing contacts with similar centers in Saudi Arabia.

Answering the students of the Department of Arabic Studies, the Minister emphasized their good level of Arabic proficiency and encouraged them to pursue their goals with hard work and dedication. Students were also curious about his personal experience in achieving success, his teaching background, challenges of the time, and ways to overcome them.

Regarding the possibility of expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in education, the Minister noted that Saudi Arabia annually allocates more than 100 scholarships for students from Kazakhstan to study at Saudi universities.

A doctoral student from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, who performed Hajj this year, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the digital innovations introduced during Hajj. Platforms such as “Nusuk” have significantly facilitated the pilgrimage experience. The Minister assured that Saudi Arabia is expanding digital services and actively implementing smart technologies.

It is expected that this visit will lay the foundation for long-term and fruitful cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan in the spiritual and humanitarian sphere. The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.