Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdelaziz Konsowa, underscored the depth of historic and strategic ties between Egypt and Greece during talks with Sophia Zacharaki, Greece’s Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, on boosting bilateral co-operation in higher education and scientific research.
Discussions during the meeting focused on means to expand academic partnerships, enhance research collaboration, and promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge between universities and research institutions in both countries.
Konsowa stressed Egypt’s commitment to advancing academic and scientific co-operation with friendly nations, noting that relations between Egypt and Mediterranean countries are witnessing growing momentum across multiple sectors, particularly higher education and scientific research.
The minister reviewed the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy, focusing on expanding applied scientific research and deepening co-operation with international universities and institutions in line with the state’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy.
Konsowa also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between academia and industry, as well as to establish effective communication channels between university researchers, research centres affiliated with the ministry, and various government institutions to address national research needs and accelerate the transition toward applied scientific research.
The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in establishing joint research centres and developing collaborative projects in sectors of mutual interest, particularly energy, petroleum, gas, and chemical industries.
For her part, Zacharaki praised the recent progress in academic co-operation between Egypt and Greece, highlighting existing partnerships between Egyptian and Greek universities. She also referred to ongoing discussions with the ministry regarding the establishment of a branch campus of the University of Patras in Alexandria.
The Greek minister reaffirmed her country’s commitment to exploring additional avenues of co-operation with Egyptian higher education institutions to further enhance academic and research exchange between the two sides.
