A landmark instrument to further co-operation between Egyptian and British academic institutions was co-signed on Sunday in the presence of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Dr Ayman Ashour, UK Ambassador to Cairo Gareth Bayley and representatives of the British Russell Group of universities.
The instrument, a memorandum of understanding between Ain-Shams University and Exeter University, provides for the launch of a high-standard Exeter University campus inside AinShams University’s international campus, marking the first ever such academic partnership between the Russell Group and Africa.
Welcoming the development, Prime Minister Madbouli said it comes as part of the country’s ambitious plan to enhance academic co-operation with prestigious educational institutions abroad. The plan, he added, aims to secure high-quality education to Egyptian students and develop their competitiveness in both local and foreign markets.
Before the signing of the MoU, the prime minister had held a meeting with a delegation from the University of Exeter, during which he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting higher education through a comprehensive vision that includes collaboration with leading foreign universities.
In remarks following the signing ceremony, Minister Ashour said the event marks the ushering in of such a transformative partnership that opens wide horizons for co-operation in the field of high education, in addition to representing the Higher Education Ministry’s commitment to promote innovative research potentials and qualify graduates for success in a world of increasing connectivity.
For his part, the UK ambassador expressed appreciation of the development, noting that British education is highly reputable and that Exeter University is the Russell Group’s first academic institution to enter into an educational partnership in Africa.
Co-signing the MoU were Ain-Shams University President M. Diaa Zainul-Abedin and Exeter University President Lisa Roberts.
In statements after the signing ceremony, Prof. Zainul-Abedin lauded the new partnership as creating a platform that combines world-class academic education with scientific research.
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