VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The National University of Laos (NUOL) and Russia’s Novosibirsk State Agrarian University on Friday (March 10) signed an agreement in Vientiane on cooperation in the training of personnel to work in Laos’ agriculture sector.
The agreement is part of expanding cooperation between Laos and Russia in this field, but is the first between the two universities, aiming to broaden the knowledge of Lao students in various aspects of agriculture.
Under the agreement, the Lao and Russian universities will build cooperation in knowledge-sharing in scientific and educational fields, including agriculture, veterinary medicine, animal science, forestry and fisheries.
Novosibirsk State Agrarian University will pay the tuition fees for Lao nationals attending courses at the university, as well as pay all expenses for air travel and accommodation.
The agreement was signed between the President of NUOL, Assoc Prof Dr Oudom Phonekhampheng, and the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Dr Vladislav Babin, witnessed by senior officials from both sides.
Dr Oudom said “We will choose outstanding students from the Faculty of Agriculture to take up scholarships at Novosibirsk Agrarian State University, giving them the opportunity to take their studies to a higher level.”
This year, the Russian university will provide 15 scholarships for Lao nationals but will increase the number in the future. Courses will be offered at the diploma, master’s degree and doctorate levels.
Novosibirsk Agrarian State University teaches many subjects at internationally accepted standards and partners with universities and institutions in numerous countries.
Over past decades, many Lao nationals have studied at Russian universities to pursue a higher level of studies.