The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT),ULCO and Alexandria University (AU) participated in the Franco-Egyptian Conference on Higher Education and Scientific Research, held in Cairo on April 7–8, 2025, in conjunction with the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt.
Organized by the French Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the high-level forum brought together ministers, university leaders, and researchers to foster deeper scientific and academic cooperation between Egypt and France. The event served as a platform for launching new partnerships and advancing joint initiatives.
AASTMT’s delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of the Academy, and included senior academic officials. Alexandria University was represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, along with other university leaders.
On the sidelines of the forum, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the French partner Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO) and both AASTMT and Alexandria University. The MoUs were signed by Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar (AASTMT), Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa (AU), and Prof. Dr. Edmond Abi-Aad, President of ULCO. These agreements are part of the ongoing collaboration within the EU-funded BLUE ERA project, which promotes cooperation in blue economy sectors and sustainable coastal development.
The MoUs aim to:
- Establish joint postgraduate programs,
- Promote student and faculty mobility,
- Support collaborative research in fields such as sustainable maritime transport, marine biotechnology, digital transformation, and innovation-driven education.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of:
- H.E. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- H.E. Mr. Philippe Baptiste, French Minister of Higher Education and Research
- Prof. Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities
The first day concluded with a prestigious ceremony at Cairo University, attended by President Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing the enduring partnership between Egypt and France in education, science, and culture.
As active contributors to the BLUE ERA project, AASTMT, AU, and ULCO reaffirm their commitment to academic excellence and sustainable development through transnational cooperation.
