Following their participation in the Egyptian-French Higher Education and Scientific Research Forum recently held in Cairo, and as part of efforts to activate the academic cooperation protocol signed between both institutions on the sidelines of the event, a high-level delegation from Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO) paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Abu Qir, Alexandria.
The delegation was headed by Prof. Edmond Abi Aad, President of ULCO, and Prof. Rachid Amara, Vice President for International Relations. The visit aimed to gain a first-hand view of AASTMT’s cutting-edge educational, technological, and research infrastructure.
The delegation was received on behalf of H.E. Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT, by Prof. Yasser El-Sonbaty, AASTMT Vice President for Education and Student Affairs. Prof. El-Sonbaty welcomed the guests and emphasized that the visit represents a milestone in fostering a productive and strategic partnership between the two institutions.
Accompanying the visit was Prof. Kareem Tonbol, Dean of Scientific Research for Maritime Affairs, who guided the delegation through several of AASTMT’s most prominent facilities, including:
- The Planetarium, where the visitors attended a demonstration of interactive educational materials used in student instruction, followed by the screening of a comprehensive promotional film showcasing AASTMT’s academic capabilities, diverse colleges, research centers, and state-of-the-art technologies.
- The Integrated Simulation Complex, one of the largest maritime simulation centers in the region, offers advanced training systems in navigation, port management, ship operations, and disaster response.
- The College of Pharmacy, featuring high-tech laboratories and advanced educational and research facilities that meet the highest standards of academic excellence and accreditation.
The French delegation expressed great admiration for AASTMT’s facilities, technologies, and educational environment, highlighting the Academy’s role as a regional leader in linking academic excellence with applied innovation and industry needs.
The visit marks a significant step toward the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed between AASTMT and ULCO, which includes joint academic programs, student and staff exchange, and collaborative research in key areas such as maritime transport, pharmaceutical sciences, management, and technological innovation.
This visit reaffirms AASTMT’s commitment to expanding international academic partnerships and strengthening its position as a regional and global center of excellence in higher education, training, and applied research.
