Dr. El-Minshawy praises the participation of the French president in the Egyptian-French forum for higher education and emphasizes: the forum is a strategic platform for sustainable academic and research partnerships that reflect the wisdom of the Egyptian political leadership

Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, president of Assiut University, participated in the activities of the Egyptian-French forum for higher education and scientific research, which was launched on Sunday, April 7, 2025 at Cairo University. He praised the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron in these events, stressing that this high-level participation embodies the depth of historical relations between Egypt and France, and the interest of both sides in enhancing joint academic and research cooperation.

Dr. El-Minshawy stressed that the organization of this important forum reflects the wisdom of the Egyptian political leadership led by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which has attached the utmost importance to higher education and scientific research as two main pillars in building humanity and achieving sustainable development, pointing out that hosting this international event represents a confirmation of the dimension of the national vision and the confidence of the international community in Egypt's scientific position and its leading role in the region.

The forum was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, who paid an official visit to Cairo University, where he was received by Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of higher education and scientific research, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, president of Cairo University, Dr. Mustafa Refat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, Dr. Philippe Battisset, French minister of higher education, as well as a number of leaders of the Ministry of higher education and French educational institutions.

During the visit, the French president met with a number of heads of Egyptian and French universities, where he discussed with them ways to enhance academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries, stressing France's commitment to supporting educational partnership programs with Egypt and expanding the horizons of cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research.

  Dr. El-Minshawy explained that the forum, which will be held on April 7 and 8, is a strategic platform to promote sustainable partnerships in higher education and scientific research between Egypt and France, with the participation of 400 participants from more than 100 educational and research institutions from the two countries, including university presidents, representatives of the ministries of higher education, research centers, the French Embassy in Cairo, the science, technology and Innovation Support Fund (STDF), in addition to a number of representatives of the business and industry sector.

  Dr. El-Minshawy also pointed out that the forum witnessed the signing of about 40 memorandums of understanding to launch joint scientific programs and degrees, in a practical step towards the internationalization of education and the development of academic programs, to serve the aspirations of economic and social development 

The forum's agenda included a number of specialized discussion sessions that addressed key issues, including: internationalization of higher education and scientific research, evaluation of the joint academic experience between the two countries, strengthening the relationship between academic institutions and the labor market, supporting innovation through international partnerships, and developing education programs in line with the needs of the knowledge economy.

Dr. El-Minshawy stressed that these events highlight the importance of the role of universities in building bridges of international cooperation, and also open wide horizons for expanding areas of cooperation in vital disciplines such as artificial intelligence, energy, water, health, and digital transformation.

The president of Assiut University also praised the participation of the private sector in the forum sessions, which reflects the keenness of the political leadership to build an integrated educational system that keeps pace with global developments and links education outputs with the labor market.

Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy stressed that the forum represents a new starting point towards effective international partnerships that enhance the quality of education and contribute to building a better future for future generations.