YANGON, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Universities of Myanmar and Thailand have vowed to cooperate in education sector following a Thai delegation's recent visit to a Myanmar university in Myeik, Myanmar's southern Taninthayi region, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday.

Myanmar's Myeik University and Thailand's Phetchaburi Rajabhat University are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jan.-Feb. next year on the extensive collaboration in education, cultural exchange programs and research.

During the visit over the last two days, the two sides discussed raising bilateral cooperation in 13 courses offered by Myeik University via a sector-by-sector approach, said Dr. Ni Ni Oo, rector of the Myeik University.

He added that the key objectives of MoU are to develop the skill of local students to be able to assist in the participation of developing their region as well as to increase their employment opportunities.

Myeik University has initiated eight MoUs with foreign universities and organizations to conduct research in Myeik on conservation of natural environment, prevention of illegal wildlife trade and preservation of water resources.