Expressing his hope that relations between the two countries will develop in a manner that sets an example for the world, Minister Tekin continued:

 

'The people of the Republic of Türkiye and our Saudi brothers share a deep mutual affection. The sincerity and brotherly bonds between our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman provide a solid foundation for the further development of these relations. One of the most crucial institutions in advancing this brotherly bond is the Ministry of Education. The ministries of education in both countries are of great importance, not only in passing down these deep-rooted legal ties to future generations, but also, amid the current turmoil we face in the world, in ensuring that our children and future generations uphold a position in accordance with fair law, in a manner befitting a Muslim.'

 

Tekin stated that the events in Palestine and Syria have once again emphasized the importance of raising individuals who embrace Muslim brotherhood, highlighting that it is not only important for children to succeed academically but also to acquire a consciousness that enables them to unite in the face of injustice.

 

Minister Tekin, highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding being prepared for signing between the Ministries of Education of the two countries, emphasized that there are many areas where cooperation in the field of education can be strengthened.

 

Minister Tekin thanked his Saudi counterpart for the interest shown in Turkish schools and emphasized that the students and teachers receiving education in Turkish schools in Saudi Arabia are entrusted to this country.

 

Minister Tekin stated, 'We are confident that you regard our children and schools no differently than your own. Inshallah, this Memorandum of Understanding will further strengthen these relations.'

 

Sharing the initiatives undertaken in the field of education in Türkiye with his counterpart, Tekin also touched upon the Century of Türkiye Education Model, the teacher training process, educational technologies, and other initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence.

 

Tekin stated that according to the results of the 'Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023,' Türkiye ranked second among OECD countries in 4th grade science and first among all European countries with its average score in this field. He conveyed that efforts were particularly made to intensively utilize both technical infrastructure and technology.

 

Minister Tekin invited Saudi Minister Al-Benyan to the Summit on Education Technologies, which is planned to be held in Türkiye in June.

 

Emphasizing that Türkiye has experienced great developments in the field of education in the last twenty years under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister Tekin also touched upon the work carried out by the Turkish Maarif Foundation around the world. Tekin stated that the Turkish Maarif Foundation conducts international diploma programs in fifty-two countries and provides quality education to hundreds of thousands of students.

 

Minister Tekin emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in response to developments in the region and stated:

 

'The cooperation we undertake in the field of education will contribute to the development of more equipped and conscious young generations in both countries. We would be happy to share these experiences mutually. Through the projects and joint efforts we have planned for the future, we aim to make significant strides in the quality and accessibility of education. In this context, we aim to further strengthen our strong relations with Saudi Arabia.'

 

Minister Tekin invited his Saudi counterpart to Türkiye.

 

Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, the Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia, expressed his pleasure in hosting Minister Tekin, who graciously accepted the invitation, in his country.

 

Al-Benyan expressed hope for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Education, prepared between the two countries, and stated Saudi Arabia's desire to expand educational cooperation with Türkiye.

 

Stating that they will do everything necessary to expedite the Memorandum of Understanding on the agenda of the two countries, Al-Benyan said, 'We are making great efforts to accelerate the memorandum of understanding. As the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Education, we will always support Turkish schools and are very pleased with this.

 

Minister Al-Benyan invited Minister Tekin to the human resources fair to be held in Saudi Arabia in April.

 

Accompanying Minister Tekin during his visit were the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emrullah İşler; Director General for European Union and Foreign Relations, Tuba Korkmaz; Director General for Support Services, Ömür Fatih Karakullukçu; Director General for Personnel, Bülent Çiftci; and Director General for Higher and Foreign Education, Fethi Fahri Kaya.