Within the framework of its “Opening towards the East”, the Government aims to strengthen ties with Arab countries not only in the field of the economy, but also in education, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó said following talks with Saudi Minister of Higher Education Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Angari.

The State Secretary announced after their meeting that there are currently 300 Saudi students studying in Hungary and they wish to increase this amount fivefold. This will be aided by the declaration of intent the parties signed today and by the King of Saudi Arabia's scholarship program, which supports the education of 150 thousand Saudi students abroad, he added.

Saudi students primarily show interest towards medical, mechanical and IT studies, State Secretary Szijjártó pointed out, adding that Saudi Arabia is currently the country’s second most significant partner in the Arab world,  which is also indicated by the fact that Hungary plans to open a trade mission in Rijad this year.

(Prime Minister’s Office)