A delegation of representatives of leading British universities met Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad Tuesday, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.

The delegation was led by British International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith. Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Member of National Assembly Rumina Khurshid Alam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Country Director of British Council in Pakistan James Hampson, Chairman Higher Education Commission and relevant senior government officials were also present in the meeting.

The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation to Pakistan. Talking to the delegation, the Prime Minister said that the promotion of quality education is the top priority of our government.

He said that they are trying hard to ensure that no child remains out of school and in this regard, the federal government is working together with the provincial governments.

The Prime Minister said the government had established an education endowment fund in Punjab and similar steps will be taken by the federal government. He said the government is taking emergency measures for the development of the education sector.

The Prime Minister said that the relations between Pakistan and Great Britain span decades, and are improving with time.

Appreciating the British cooperation in the field of education in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that we are keen to increase cooperation with Britain in the fields of trade and education.

The Prime Minister said that there should be collaboration between Pakistani and British universities in the fields of technology and research.

He further said that Britain can be helpful in training and capacity-building of Pakistani teachers. He said that Pakistan wants to benefit from the capacity of the education sector in Britain

The Prime Minister said that it is a good thing that Pakistani and British universities have started degree programs on a reciprocal basis.

He said that he wants to work together with the UK education sector to promote higher education in Pakistan and improve its quality. He said that modern education, especially science and technology, is the guarantee of the development of any nation.

The delegation expressed keen interest in sharing and cooperation between the UK and Pakistan in the field of higher education.

On behalf of the delegation, the Prime Minister was informed that the scope of Education Gateway Pakistan is being expanded further, which will help in increasing cooperation in the field of education in both countries.

The delegation thanked the Prime Minister and government institutions for the excellent hospitality in Pakistan.