In the presence of senior officials from Egypt and France’s higher education sectors, Ministers of Higher Education from both countries witnessed the signing of 42 cooperation protocols between Egyptian and French universities, marking an unprecedented leap in academic collaboration between the two nations.

The agreements were signed during the Egyptian-French Universities Forum, held at Cairo University, and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron as part of his historic visit to Egypt. The event brought together ministers, ambassadors, university presidents, senior officials, and representatives from research centers, educational councils, and French companies operating in Egypt.

Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Ayman Ashour, expressed deep appreciation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron for their continued support, which he described as a cornerstone of the growing bilateral relationship in education and research.

Dr. Ashour emphasized Egypt’s commitment to implementing the leadership’s directives to expand cooperation with globally renowned universities. He called the forum “an unprecedented milestone in the history of Egyptian-French cooperation,” and highlighted Egypt’s efforts to create joint programs and introduce specializations that align with the evolving labor market.

He noted that the number of Egyptian universities has doubled in the past decade, currently serving nearly 4 million students — 53% of whom are female — along with 180,000 international students from 119 countries. He also underlined the role of the Egyptian Knowledge Bank in enhancing the global rankings of Egyptian universities and promoting digital education.

Dr. Ashour further stated that international collaboration is a central pillar of Egypt’s National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, launched in March 2023. He stressed that partnerships with France support Egypt’s regional leadership in education, particularly among French-speaking African countries, and help address global challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and industrial development through innovation.

French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Mr. Philippe Baptiste, praised the longstanding academic ties between Egypt and France, noting significant achievements in training, research, and innovation. He highlighted the Sorbonne Law School in Cairo, established 35 years ago at Cairo University, as a symbol of the shared legal heritage between the two nations.

Baptiste also spotlighted ongoing cooperation in archaeology and heritage preservation, including the use of advanced technologies like 3D imaging and photogrammetry in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Nobles.

In his remarks, Mr. Baptiste expressed admiration for Cairo University as a beacon of culture and scholarship, recalling its notable alumni such as Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. He emphasized that today’s challenges — from technological shifts to climate change and public health — demand deeper strategic collaboration, and reiterated both countries` commitment to delivering world-class education and research.

President of Cairo University, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, welcomed the guests to the historic institution, founded in 1908. He emphasized that the forum, held under the auspices of both presidents, reflects the strong bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and cultural cooperation. He described the university’s role as central in driving development and nurturing future generations.

The forum featured several successful examples of Egyptian-French collaboration, including:

The reestablishment of the French University in Egypt (UFE), offering internationally recognized degrees and supported by the development of a new campus expected to accommodate 3,000 students by 2027.
The Sorbonne Law School in Cairo, celebrating 35 years of cultural and legal exchange.
The Hubert Curien – Imhotep Partnership, which has funded over 200 joint research projects since 2005.
A total of 42 agreements were signed between 13 Egyptian universities and 22 French universities, resulting in 70 academic programs, including 30 joint degree programs, aimed at addressing future workforce demands. These partnerships include student and faculty exchanges, joint curriculum development, and collaborative research in areas of mutual interest.

A panel discussion held on the forum’s sidelines showcased real-world success stories of Egyptian-French academic partnerships. Speakers highlighted the transformative impact of studying in France — from developing critical thinking and creativity to fostering intercultural understanding and advancing societal change. Participants also offered advice to aspiring researchers and stressed the human values gained through academic exchange.

It is worth noting that this event builds on a previously signed comprehensive partnership agreement between Egypt and France, covering 15 dual-degree programs and 100 PhD scholarships, underscoring the depth of strategic educational cooperation between the two countries.