Manama: Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation have agreed to foster collaboration and promote cultural and educational partnerships.

The two foundations reached the accord following a meeting in London between Shaikha Moza Bint Nasser Al Misnid, wife of the emir and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and Prince Charles.

“Shaikha Moza’s visit underscores the importance of the cultural and educational relations between Qatar and the UK, and reflects the close and historic ties between the two nations as they celebrate the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture,” a statement from the Qatar Foundation said.

“The meeting with the Prince of Wales is intended to further bolster relations, while providing a solid platform from which both countries can continue to pursue innovation in the fields of science, technology and education and build strategic alliances.”

Qatar Foundation added that through its involvement in Qatar UK 2013, it hopes to continue promoting an awareness and appreciation of each nation’s culture, achievements and heritage.

“At the heart of its mission is the desire to develop the creative potential of youth and support their interests in a wide range of fields. By working with leading UK institutions to encourage greater cooperation in arts and culture, this mission can be further advanced.”

Shaikha Moza, shared at the meeting, several of Qatar Foundation’s forthcoming initiatives within the realms of education, science, research, arts and culture. She emphasised her commitment to dialogue and to the creation of fruitful agreements that can enhance the two-way flow of knowledge, according to the statement.

“Qatar greatly values its relationship with the UK as a long-term partner for mutual development, cultural partnerships and growth”, Shaikha Moza said. “Qatar Foundation is working to create a tangible legacy from the Year of Culture, by building strong bridges of cooperation with British institutions that can play a significant role in enhancing this legacy of common understanding.”

Following the meeting, Mohammad Fathy Saoud, President of Qatar Foundation, and Andrew Wright, Executive Director of The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that emphasised the importance of the working relationship between the two organisations in education, cultural awareness and community development.

“Qatar Foundation is strongly committed to sharing knowledge and deeply appreciates the breadth of work that is being undertaken by institutions like the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, which share common values for the advancement of quality education, culture, and community development,” Saoud said.

Qatar Foundation has supported a large number of projects in collaboration with UK institutions and universities, which also serve Qatar’s needs in developing human capacity and earning recognition as an important generator of knowledge across the world, the statement said.

Activities to develop and build upon Qatar Foundation’s relationship with UK entities include a series of UK-based lectures in September by scholars and senior researchers from Education City.

The topics will highlight advancements in the areas of computing, energy, environment, healthcare, medicine, architecture and urban planning.