Within the framework of the visit of the British Higher Education Mission to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and under the auspices of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, two memoranda of cooperation were signed between Ain Shams University, the University of Essex, and the University of East Anglia.

The signing was made by Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Prof. Essam El-Kurdi, representing the University Support and Development Authority, Prof. Dr. Maria Vasli, Vice President of the University of Essex, and Prof. Stephen Maguire, Vice President of the University of East Anglia.

The cooperation aims to establish a branch of the two British universities within the new campus of Ain Shams University, to provide high-quality and internationally recognized academic programs while enhancing academic opportunities by providing students in Egypt and the region with the opportunity to enroll in internationally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, in addition to offering dual or joint degree programs to give students an international educational experience, and enhancing research excellence by developing joint research initiatives to address global and regional challenges and establishing joint research centers of excellence to promote innovation and interdisciplinary studies.

The cooperation will also contribute to developing the faculty staff and employees, providing advanced opportunities for training and developing faculty staff and employees, academic exchange programs, and enhancing academic expertise and teaching methods through cooperation in the educational process, in addition to its role in enriching the student experience and academic mobility, developing infrastructure and resources, and building sustainable academic environments in line with the best international practices, which will contribute to strengthening Egypt's position as a regional center for distinguished higher education, in addition to enhancing opportunities for access to world-class university education in Egypt.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Gareth Bailey, British Ambassador to Cairo, Prof. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Prof. Amani Osama, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and Dr. Kamal Obeid, Director of the International Cooperation Department.