Cairo: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour affirmed that the ministry attaches special importance to expanding areas of academic and scientific cooperation with friendly countries, in a way that contributes to the exchange of educational and research expertise, strengthens partnerships between universities and research institutions, and supports sustainable development efforts in both countries. This came during the minister's meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Cairo, Parviz Mirzazoda, at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Ahmed Abdelghany, Head of the Central Administration for International Students.
According to State Information Service Egypt, during the meeting, the minister pointed out that Egyptian universities have witnessed remarkable development in educational and research infrastructure in recent years, alongside the modernization of academic programs and their linkage to labor market requirements, making them an attractive environment for international students from around the world. He affirmed the ministry's readiness to provide all necessary support to enhance cooperation with educational institutions in the Republic of Tajikistan.
Ashour also reviewed the key features of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which is based on the pillars of quality, international competitiveness, innovation, and linking education with scientific research and industry. He explained that the internationalization of education is one of the main pillars of this strategy, through expanding joint programs, exchanging students and faculty members, and supporting joint scientific research projects of mutual interest.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan in Cairo expressed his country's appreciation for the tangible achievements Egypt has made in the field of higher education and scientific research, praising the distinguished academic standing of Egyptian universities. He affirmed the Tajik side's aspiration to strengthen cooperation with Egypt, particularly in the areas of scholarships, postgraduate studies, capacity building, and academic training.
The meeting addressed ways to activate joint cooperation in the coming phase, including encouraging the signing of memoranda of understanding between universities in both countries, exchanging scientific and academic visits, and implementing joint research projects, in a manner that supports bilateral relations and enhances cultural and scientific understanding between the two peoples.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and consultation, and working to develop clear implementation mechanisms for what was agreed upon, in order to achieve mutual interests and enhance sustainable cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Tajikistan in the fields of higher education and scientific research.