Thursday 05/February/2026 – 09:14 PM
Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, witnessed the launch of the activities of the Egyptian-French Scientific and Academic Cooperation Day, hosted by CY Cergy Paris University, in a step that reflects the depth of historical relations and the richness of joint cooperation between Egypt and France in the fields of higher education and scientific research.
Higher education: Strengthening academic and research cooperation between Egypt and France… and signing agreements and memorandums of understanding to support higher education and scientific research.
The forum activities were opened with welcome speeches delivered by Laurent Gatineau, President of the University of Cergy, in the presence of Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology and Innovation Financing Authority, and Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Secretary of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO. The speakers pointed to the paramount importance of the terms of reference and signed agreements, especially in the areas of missions, activating Egyptian-French scholarships, student exchanges, and degree programs. Duplex, ensuring the strengthening of academic cooperation between Egyptian and French universities.
Dr. Ayman Ashour confirmed that the Egyptian and French universities have completed their preparations to launch cooperation programs, explaining that this forum reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries, and emphasizes the pivotal role of the “Beit Misr” project in Paris and the French University in Egypt, in supporting the exchange of academic and research experiences, and promoting dual degree programs, scholarships, and joint scholarships, in a way that contributes to developing the quality of education and building human capabilities.
In this context, Dr. Mustafa Refaat pointed out that academic partnerships with French universities represent a fundamental pillar for developing the higher education system in Egypt, and supporting student exchange and dual degree programs, in a way that enhances the competitiveness of graduates and ensures the sustainability of joint academic cooperation.
For his part, Dr. Ayman Farid explained that holding this forum reflects the continuous expansion of joint scholarship and scholarship programs, and supports the integration of Egyptian universities into international academic and research networks, which opens broader horizons for scientific cooperation, and provides opportunities for Egyptian researchers to participate in European programs such as Horizon Europe.
For his part, Mr. Laurent Gatineau, President of the University of Cergy Paris, welcomed the participating delegations, stressing that the university attaches great importance to strengthening the frameworks of scientific and academic cooperation with Egyptian universities, noting that this forum reflects a common will to expand student exchange and research programs and support dual degree projects, which contributes to developing the academic and research capabilities of students and faculty members alike, and strengthens the strategic partnership between Egypt and France in the field of higher education and scientific research.
The Egyptian-French Scientific and Academic Cooperation Day witnessed wide participation, in the presence of Dr. Gina El-Feki, Acting President of the Academy of Scientific Research, Dr. Mamdouh Moawad, head of the National Research Center, and a group of presidents of Egyptian and French universities, along with representatives of the National Research Center (NRC) and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), to discuss innovative financing strategies, support entrepreneurship, and enhance the link between scientific research and development needs, through specialized sessions and workshops.
On the sidelines of the conference activities, Dr. Ayman Ashour met with Ms. Eleonore Caroix, French Deputy Foreign Minister for Francophonie Affairs and International Relations, where the meeting discussed the close relations between the two sides in the fields of higher education and scientific research, and discussed ways to enhance fruitful cooperation in these fields, and support academic and research exchange programs between Egyptian and French educational institutions. For her part, Ms. Eleonore Caroix, French Deputy Foreign Minister for Francophonie Affairs and International Relations, confirmed that the activities of the Egyptian-French Scientific and Academic Cooperation Day represent a real opportunity to strengthen academic cooperation. And research between the two countries, and expanding student exchange and dual degree programs, which contributes to developing the quality of education, building scientific cadres capable of facing the challenges of the future, and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and France in the fields of education and scientific research.
The events also witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding with a number of Egyptian and French institutions and universities, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Vatel International Group, one of the leading institutions in the field of tourism and hotel education in the Republic of France, and the Supreme Council of Universities and the Universities Support and Development Authority, with the aim of enhancing academic and scientific cooperation in the field of tourism and hotels. The memorandum was signed by a number of participating universities, including Alamein International University, Alexandria University, Capital University, and Mansoura University.
In the same context, the University of Alexandria signed 3 cooperation agreements with the University of Caen, including an agreement to establish the first double degree in pharmacy, in addition to agreements in the fields of agriculture and applied languages. The University of Alexandria also signed a framework agreement and a student exchange agreement with the University of Cergy. The French University in Egypt also signed a number of agreements with some French universities, which strengthens the network of international academic partnerships and supports the exchange of experiences and joint educational programs.
