As part of the Egypt-France Universities Forum, a high-level panel discussion was held under the theme "Egyptian-French Academic Cooperation: Current Situation and Future Prospects", bringing together prominent university leaders and higher education officials from both countries. The forum, organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on April 7–8, coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Cairo and is held under the patronage of Egyptian Minister Dr. Ayman Ashour and French Minister for Higher Education Philippe Baptiste.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ali Shams El-Din, former President of Benha University, highlighted the significant progress in Egyptian-French relations, especially in light of the strong political will on both sides. He emphasized that universities in both countries have deep-rooted histories and strong capabilities that position them among the leading educational institutions globally. He noted that the panel aims to explore academic cooperation opportunities and expand bilateral relations between universities.

Throughout the session, university leaders exchanged insights into their institutions’ educational and research strategies aimed at improving the quality of higher education. Discussions focused on updating academic programs, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing academic and research cooperation, with a shared goal of further internationalizing higher education.

Dr. Mahmoud El-Metini, President of Ain Shams University, stressed the university’s long-standing history as one of Egypt’s oldest institutions and highlighted the large number of graduates it has produced over the decades. He noted that Ain Shams University has signed several cooperation agreements with French institutions covering diverse academic and research fields. These initiatives, he explained, are part of a broader strategic vision to consolidate academic partnerships between Egypt and France.

He also pointed out the availability of qualified faculty members who actively support these collaborations, as well as professors benefiting from research grants in France. Dr. El-Metini noted the shared vision in areas such as modern technology, industrial development, and medical education in French.

Dr. Mohamed Roshdy, President of the French University in Egypt, stated that his participation in the session reflects the broader framework of Egyptian-French collaboration in higher education since he assumed leadership of the institution. He expressed gratitude to both President Emmanuel Macron and Minister Ayman Ashour for their continued support of the university. Roshdy described the university as a vital link between the higher education systems of Egypt and France.

He added that the university is currently working to develop its training programs while simultaneously enhancing research cooperation for master` .

Dr. Fatma Ashour, project manager of the bilateral “Central Méditerranée” initiative, highlighted the importance of the project in connecting Mediterranean countries through academic and research collaboration. She praised the cooperation with Cairo University and affirmed that the forum aims to build mutual trust, expand shared knowledge, and launch projects that equip students for the evolving labor market.

Dr. Amal El-Gammal, Head of the Information Systems Department at Egypt University of Informatics, noted that the university was established to offer distinguished programs in communications and IT, as part of a strategic plan focused on educational quality. She emphasized the importance of international partnerships and referred to agreements signed with global universities in engineering, fine arts, design, and computer science. She expressed hope for deepened collaboration between the Egyptian and French governments in the education sector.