Mukalla – University Media Center
Prof. Mohamed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, met today in his office with Eng. Yislam Saeed Babalghoum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries for Planning and Fisheries Investment, and Chairman of the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea, to discuss prospects for expanding future cooperation between the University and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries, represented by Minister Major General Salem Abdullah Al-Saqtari.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in scientific, research, and applied fields of mutual interest and exploring avenues for building a strategic partnership that serves national development priorities.
Discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging the University’s academic and research capabilities and linking scientific research outputs with the practical needs of productive and developmental sectors. Such collaboration would contribute to addressing environmental, agricultural, fisheries, and food-security challenges while advancing scientific and technological solutions that support society and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.
During the meeting, Eng. Babalghoum reviewed the existing partnership model between the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology and both the General Authority for Fisheries in the Arabian Sea and the General Authority for Marine Sciences and Aquatic Research. He described this collaboration as a successful example of cooperation between academic institutions and specialized government agencies.
He emphasized that the Faculty’s expertise in environmental sciences, marine biology, fisheries resources, and food sciences enables it to provide valuable field studies, scientific research, technical consultations, laboratory analyses, and professional training programs in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
For his part, Prof. Khanbash welcomed initiatives that strengthen institutional partnerships and support the University’s mission of knowledge production, community service, and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of integrating scientific research with practical application, not only in agriculture, fisheries, food security, and environmental sustainability, but also across the full spectrum of academic disciplines offered by the University.
Both parties underscored the importance of expanding cooperation to include various colleges and research centers within the University. They discussed moving beyond general coordination toward the implementation of specific joint programs and projects built around clearly defined priorities and needs. Proposed areas of cooperation include conducting studies and research projects, exchanging expertise and data, implementing training programs, and mobilizing funding for collaborative initiatives that maximize both institutions’ academic and technical capacities.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and the Ministry in the near future, establishing a strategic framework for cooperation aimed at utilizing scientific knowledge and expertise to support development and enhance the sustainable use of natural resources.
Prof. Abdullah Babair, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Abdullah Aidid, Secretary-General of the University; Prof. Khaled Al-Rubaki, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology; and Dr. Ahmed Al-Ameri, Vice Dean of the Education Faculty in Socotra for Student Affairs attended the meeting.
