QU inks pact for study on Islamic civilisation

Qatar University (QU) and Waseda University, a private and independent research university in Tokyo, signed an agreement yesterday in Japan during His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s two-day official visit to Japan. QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and Waseda University president Dr Aiji Tanaka signed the agreement, which is of mutual interest and draws from the common potential through exchange of best expertise, and supporting research activities in the fields of language, literature, culture, religion, history, politics, economics, international relations and the two countries relationship with aspects related to Islamic civilisation.Based on the plans for both parties to develop and enhance their joint co-operation, the agreement will also see the establishment of a co-funded “Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies,” which will see the contribution of faculty members from both institutions with the aim of contributing to enhancing research co-operation between academic institutions and research centres in various aspects of Islamic civilisation.Dr al-Derham commented on the agreement saying, “Over the past two decades, Qatar has worked to promote the language and culture of dialogue among different religions and civilisations. The establishment of this chair for the study of Islamic civilisation comes under the guidance of His Highness the Amir who supports this direction and to promote the partnership between Qatar and Japan in the cultural and academic aspects. We will work hard with the prestigious Waseda University to develop research projects and build human capacity for a greater understanding of Islamic civilisation.”Waseda University president Dr Tanaka said, “It is a great honour to have been able to sign the Qatar Chair agreement for academic co-operation in research and education that had been discussed initially by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and former Waseda president Kamata in 2015. This programme will now begin to support specific research and education projects, and I am looking forward to working closely with our partners at Qatar University to ensure the programme is a success.”