KARACHI: Diplomats from Malaysia and Russia emphasised the need for cooperation between Pakistani institutions and those in their home countries. They were speaking at the concluding session of a two-day international conference on nursing organised on Tuesday by the Hamdard University (HU). The conference featured deliberations from experts of seven countries. On the occasion, the second-year students of Rufayda Hamdard School of Nursing (RHSN) lit lamps in memory of Florence Nightingale and also took the oath of their profession as they are set to undergo training in clinics. Speaking at the conference, Malaysian Consul-General in Karachi Herman Hardynata Ahmad pointed out that a growing number of Pakistani students were choosing institutions in Malaysia for pursuing higher studies. “Collaboration between countries is very important because progress can’t be achieved in isolation,” said Mr Ahmad. He said that just during the last weekend over 3,500 Pakistanis had left for Malaysia for tourism purposes. Dr Natalia Zhadovets of the Russian consulate expressed similar views. “Russian universities are open to you; Russia is open to you. Language is no barrier because you can learn in English in Russian universities,” she remarked.