SESRIC has received a delegation from the North Sumatra State Institute for Islamic Studies in Medan, Republic of Indonesia on 15 November 2013. The delegation was headed by Prof. Dr. Nur A. Fadhil Lubis, Rector of the North Sumatra State Institute for Islamic Studies and consisted of representatives of State Islamic Institutes of Palembang, Semarang and Mataram accompanied by representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

At the outset, Mr. Hakan Eryetli, Director of Statistics Department, welcomed the delegates and briefed them on the statistical activities undertaken by the Centre. Mr. Mehmet Fatih Serenli, Director of Training and Technical Cooperation Department, mentioned that SESRIC aims to enhance cooperation and collaboration with related national and international institutions aiming at realising its objectives for the benefit of OIC Member Countries, in the area of capacity building programmes. In this regard, Mr. Nabil Dabour, Director of Research Department, expressed SESRIC's readiness in improving mutual relationship with the North Sumatra State Institute for Islamic Studies, especially in the area of economy, trade and finance.

On his part, Prof. Dr. Lubis expressed his thanks for warm receiving of the delegation and mentioned that North Sumatra State Institute for Islamic Studies together with other State Islamic Institutes is planning to modernize its physical, human and organisational infrastructure within the context of transformation in achieving to be a full-fledged university with their own distinction through collaboration with other international institutions including SESRIC.

During the discussion, the two parties elaborated on areas of possible cooperation between SESRIC and the North Sumatra State Institute for Islamic Studies. These included the possibility of establishing a long term partnership in training and technical cooperation through strengthening the capacity of lecturers on Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance; organizing joint seminars, workshops and programs on issues related to research methodology, community development, e-learning, poverty reduction, tourism and strategic planning.

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