Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, received a delegation from the University of Essex, headed by Dr. Vanessa Potter, Vice President for International Relations, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of Dr. Diaa Zein Al-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Dr. Abdel Wahab Ezzat, Acting Secretary of the Council of Private Universities. This is at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

The Minister began the meeting by welcoming the delegation of the British University of Essex, as part of the program of their current visit to Egypt. To discuss opportunities for cooperation and exchange of experiences and various educational programs with Egyptian universities.

Dr. Ayman Ashour stressed the depth of relations between Egypt and Britain at all levels, noting that many agreements had been concluded with the British side in the field of higher education and scientific research, in addition to the establishment of branches of British universities in Egypt, including (Coventry University branch, University of Hertfordshire branch), Pointing out that during the coming period, many other foreign university branches will be opened.

Dr. Ayman Ashour also appreciated this meeting, which comes within the framework of the efforts of the Egyptian Cultural Office in London, headed by Dr. Rasha Kamal, Egyptian Cultural Attaché and Director of the Educational Mission in the United Kingdom, in holding many coordination meetings with the delegation of the British University of Essex, and presenting the Ministry’s vision to encourage the establishment of British university branches. in Egypt.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education and the University of Essex in the educational and research fields. The Minister stressed the importance of exchanging experiences between Egyptian and international universities, noting the Egyptian state’s interest in expanding the establishment of branches of foreign universities that have a distinguished academic reputation, within the framework of Implementing the principle of international reference, which is one of the most important goals and principles of the national strategy for higher education and scientific research, to improve the quality of education and educational research outcomes.

The meeting also reviewed the design of establishing Ain Shams National University in the New Administrative Capital, as a unique model for higher education in Egypt, which will be established according to an unconventional vision called the Valley of Learning and Innovation, as it relies primarily on linking education and scientific research with industry and labor market requirements, through the technology oasis with all its contents. From research centers and incubators for technology and emerging companies through partnership with industry partners, on an area of 190 acres, working side by side with the education, training and scientific research system for academic programs that stimulate innovative youth, whether at the bachelor’s or postgraduate levels, according to the requirements of the local, regional and global market.

For her part, the Vice-President of the University of Essex expressed her happiness at visiting Egypt, and praised the progress that Egypt has achieved in the field of higher education in recent years, stressing the desire of the University of Essex to enhance cooperation with Egyptian universities in various fields, noting that the university is interested in qualifying students and providing... Information technology services and various activities that allow them to pursue their skills and exercise their talents, as well as interest in the university’s social responsibility, as the University of Essex is one of the highest-ranked universities in the field of humanities and social sciences, and also enjoys a strong academic reputation in the field of economics, environmental sciences, and computer sciences, in addition to many From other academic specializations.

The delegation also expressed its aspiration to visit several Egyptian universities, including (Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, El Alamein University, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport), in addition to visiting several international university branches in the New Administrative Capital.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Ayman Ashour stressed his full support for all aspects of cooperation between Egyptian universities and the British University of Essex, in the field of exchanging experiences and scientific programs between universities from both sides, expressing his aspiration to see practical steps soon regarding this cooperation.

On the British side, the meeting was attended by Dr. Annecy Lax, Dean of Educational Partnerships, Mr. Hassan Abdel Rahim, Director of International Recruitment in North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and Ms. Rosanna Kilani, Regional Director of the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Central Asia, and on the Egyptian side, Dr. Hussein Farid, a teacher at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, and Dr. Howaida Ezzat, Director General of the General Administration of the Media Office and the official spokesman.