FM receives higher education minister to discuss strengthening cooperation

CAIRO – 30 June 2026: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty received Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh on Tuesday, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two ministries in higher education, scientific research, and international academic relations.

The meeting focused on mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to support the state's efforts to expand its network of academic and scientific partnerships with countries around the world.

The initiative aims to strengthen Egypt's higher education and scientific research system while enhancing the international presence of its educational and research institutions.

Abdelatty highlighted the vital role of Egyptian embassies, diplomatic missions, and cultural offices abroad in promoting academic and scientific cooperation, supporting student and researcher exchange programs, and showcasing the academic and research capabilities of Egyptian universities. He noted that these efforts would help increase the number of international students studying in Egypt and reinforce the country's position as a regional hub for higher education.

The two ministers also discussed ways to strengthen support for Egyptian students and researchers studying abroad through closer coordination among Egyptian embassies, consulates, and cultural offices. The goal is to ensure they receive the necessary assistance while leveraging their expertise and diverse specializations to advance Egypt's national development priorities.

The meeting further explored opportunities to expand cooperation in capacity building across Africa by supporting scholarship and training programs and strengthening partnerships between Egyptian universities and their African counterparts. These efforts are expected to contribute to human resource development across the continent and reinforce Egypt's role in supporting development and capacity-building initiatives in Africa, in line with its commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnerships with African nations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers underscored the importance of maintaining close institutional coordination between their ministries. They said continued cooperation would help maximize the use of diplomatic channels to advance the state's higher education and scientific research objectives, support the internationalization of Egyptian universities, and further strengthen Egypt's regional and global scientific standing.