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.
Source: Egyptian
Gazette