Cairo: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour asserted the importance of strengthening academic and research cooperation between Egyptian and Czech educational and research institutions. He emphasized the need to support communication channels between both sides to expand opportunities for scientific and academic partnerships aligned with each nation's priorities and to help build human capacities.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Ashour's remarks came during a meeting held with Czech Ambassador to Cairo Ivan Jukl. Ashour highlighted the long-standing and deep-rooted ties between Egypt and the Czech Republic, expressing Egypt's desire to expand these relations, particularly in the academic and research sectors.

The minister also pointed to the significant expansion of Egypt's higher education system in recent years, which includes the establishment of new universities, the opening of international university branches, and the introduction of dual-degree programs in collaboration with globally ranked institutions. He noted the diversity within Egypt's higher education ecosystem, which now includes public, private, national, and technological universities, as well as foreign university branches.

Ashour outlined Egypt's comprehensive vision to become a regional hub for higher education, attracting students from across the Arab world, Africa, and the Middle East. He emphasized the availability of educational services in multiple languages across Egyptian universities, a strategy designed to attract international students from various nationalities.

For his part, Jukl expressed his country's deep appreciation for its strong relationship with Egypt, particularly in the fields of higher education and scientific research. He affirmed the Czech Republic's commitment to expanding academic and research cooperation with Egypt, citing the Arab country's young, dynamic population and its strategic role as a regional gateway to Africa.