Ambassador Gary Grappo, Distinguished Fellow, Center for Middle East Studies at the Korbel School for International Studies of the University of Denver visited Sultan Qaboos University to explore the potential of student exchange between the two institutions. At SQU, Gary Grappo was received by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, the Vice Chancellor and H.H. Sayyidah Dr. Mona Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation, and other officials.

The two sides discussed on the possibility of sending groups of students between the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver and Sultan Qaboos University to enable the students learn about the hosting country and its environment experiencing the history and culture of it.  Ambassador Gary Grappo said that his School is keen to send to Oman its graduate students specialized in National Security Affairs and Foreign Policy to give them an opportunity to learn more about the country, its culture, tradition and foreign relations. “During their stay in Oman, the students would like to attend lectures, meet with university students and government officials and get an overall view of the Gulf region in general and Oman in particular. Our students have great deal of interest to learn more about this beautiful Middle East country and its unique history. This would also help to learn about possible research opportunities in future”, he said.

On their part, SQU officials expressed their intention to send its students to the University of Denver to expose them to the cultural and community perspectives of the United States and to attain enhanced interest in global issues as well as a broader general knowledge.

The Josef Korbel School of International Studies is one of the world's leading schools for the study of international relations. The Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School is dedicated to promoting and strengthening the study and understanding of the societies, political systems, and international relations of the Middle East and broader Islamic world. Ambassador Gary Grappo had served as United States Ambassador to Oman from 2006 to 2009.