Egypt Keen to Cooperate with France in Space Field: Minister

Mai Shaheen

Egypt’s Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar received on Wednesday French ambassador to Egypt, Stephane Roumtier at the ministry’s headquarters.

They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Egypt and France in Higher education and scientific research fields.

At the outset of the meeting, Abdel Ghaffar praised the distinguished historic relations between both countries.

“Egypt is keen to cooperate with France in space field,” he stressed, noting that France is considered one of the major countries in the field of space technology.

He pointed out to his speech before the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held in Yokohama city last August. In his speech, he explained the importance of space technology in promoting the African economy and meeting the basic needs of the African peoples.

Moreover, the meeting also tackled the development of the French university. In this regard, the Egyptian minister underlined the efforts exerted by both sides to re-establish the university to become a pillar of Egyptian-French academic cooperation.

Abdel Ghaffar stressed that Egypt's policy of expanding international education always takes into account the distinctiveness of new educational programs, the quality of curricula and their conformity with international standards.

In addition both officials discussed latest preparations taken ahead of French Higher Education Minister's expected visit to Egypt during the upcoming period. A number of joint cooperation projects will be announced during this visit.

On his part, French ambassador praised the notable achievements witnessed by higher education sector in Egypt through implementation of new educational projects.

Contributed by Nada Mustafa