The British University in Egypt recently hosted His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania for a high-level academic and cultural visit, as Egypt and Romania mark 120 years of diplomatic relations.
Welcomed by Ms Farida Khamis, Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, and Professor Mohamed Loutfi MBE, President and Vice-Chancellor, His Royal Highness’s official visit to Egypt included two events on campus: the inauguration of a historic art exhibition and a guest lecture on Romania’s role in global geopolitics.
HRH Prince Radu was accompanied by a delegation that included, H.E. MsOlivia Toderean, Ambassador of Romania to the Arab Republic of Egypt;Professor Dr Sorin Cîmpeanu, President of the National Council of Rectors of Romania; and MsClaudia-Victoria Nicolae, Managing Director of Romania’s national news agency, AGERPRES.The visit was attended by members of Egypt’s Senate and the University’s senior leadership, including ProfessorYehia Bahei-El-Din, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President for Research and Enterprise; Professor James Gazzard, Provost; Professor Tarek Abbas, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Cluster; Professor Wadouda Badran, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Social Science Cluster; Professor Catherine Harper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the Student Journey; and Professor Mohamed Ismail, Senior Adviser to the President, alongside faculty deans, academic staff, and a number of alumni.
The visit commenced at the Faculty of Art and Design with the inauguration of the exhibition “The Crown of Romania: 160 Years of History.” Curated in collaboration with the Royal House of Romania and AGERPRES, the exhibition offers a rare look into the nation’s regal heritage and its long-standing ties to the region.The exhibition opening was attended by University leadership and diplomatic representatives from both nations.
Following the inauguration, Prince Radu addressed students from the Faculty of Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science. His lecture, “Romania as a Bridge Between the European Union and the Mediterranean,” provided future leaders with insights into the evolving leadership roles of young people in the digital era. His lecture explored the balance between global openness and the preservation of national identity, the importance of multilateral partnerships for regional security, and the role of education in fostering accountability.An interactive discussion followed, where students engaged with the Prince on the complexities of Euro-Mediterranean relations and international diplomacy.
The lecture concluded with Professor Loutfi presenting Prince Radu with the University Shield in recognition of his international contributions.
HRH Prince Radu noted that his visit coincides with the 120th anniversary of Egypt-Romania relations, carrying a message of "friendship, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace."
"Egypt and Romania share a relationship grounded in stability and cultural diversity," HRH remarked, acknowledging the historical role of the Romanian Royal Family in advancing ties between Cairo and Bucharest. He further commended the University’s strategy in preparing students to navigate global shifts with competence.
Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor, stated that hosting HRH Prince Radu reflects the University's commitment to intercultural dialogue.
"The engagement we witnessed today, the quality of the dialogue and the questions asked, aligns with our strategy of developing graduates capable of navigating a changing world," Professor Loutfi said. "We are deliberate in inviting influential figures to our campus to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world international experience."
About The British University in Egypt (https://www.bue.edu.eg/)
Following a 1998 Memorandum of Cooperation between the governments of Egypt and the United Kingdom, The British University in Egypt was founded in 2004, and is Egypt's premier private British university. Recognised for its educational excellence, robust academic governance, and exceptional graduate employment, it is one of the few Egyptian Higher Education institutions to offer ‘dual degrees’, where students undertake undergraduate and postgraduate awards validated by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities and one of our UK collaborative partners, Manchester Metropolitan University, London South Bank University, and Queen Margaret University. The University is the first QAA-accredited university in Egypt and North Africa, demonstrating achievement of the 10 European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance, and is a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum (Great Charter of Universities), upholding the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, community service, preservation of humanity and sustainability, and the promotion of prosperity and enlightenment across the globe.
With 12 faculties, expanding to 13 in September 2026 with the launch of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, and a student body of nearly 12,500, The British University in Egypt is known for its 'learning by doing' approach, commitment to regional and global sustainable development goals, and unparalleled student life experience.




