In the context of his official visit to the French Republic, the Governor of the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training Dr. Nasser Bin Ali Al-Ghafis discussed on Thursday with Xavier Darcos, the French Minister of National Education, the possibility of creating a strategic partnership with France in the areas of technical and vocational training and localization of French technology. In a telephone interview with the Arabic daily Al-Watan, Al-Ghafis said that the French and Saudi sides are in the process of finalizing a plan for cooperation with French companies and institutes currently operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the establishment of high technology institutes to supply the Saudi market with native skilled labor trained on operating, managing and maintaining the Kingdom's national facilities and infrastructure. Other prospective areas of cooperation include the maintenance and operation of water desalination and treatment plants, and maintenance of railway equipment and facilities, and of high-tech equipment and devices. The possibility of offering training in France to the Organization's staff was also examined, particularly in the light of assurances given by Darcos to provide all necessary facilities for this purpose. The Saudi and French sides have also agreed to draw up an executive program to make use of the French expertise in the areas of vocational testing, modernization of technical training of females, vocational guidance and instruction, and enhancement of the role of small establishments. __
