Prof. Mohamed Hussein:

• Academic openness and the establishment of strong strategic partnerships with distinguished European universities constitute a fundamental pillar of Tanta University’s vision.

• We highly value the initiative of the Egyptian Cultural Center in Athens in supporting Egyptian higher education institutions and opening new horizons for international cooperation.

   As part of Tanta University’s ongoing efforts to advance the internationalization of higher education and expand its network of academic and research partnerships with prestigious foreign universities, in line with the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030 aimed at developing the higher education and scientific research system, enhancing its outcomes, and strengthening the competitiveness of Egyptian universities regionally and internationally, Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, held an extensive virtual meeting with the leadership of the University of Western Macedonia in Greece.

   The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Manal Ali, Director of the Egyptian Cultural Center in Athens, and attended by Prof. Hatem Amin, Vice President of Tanta University for Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Shahira Sharaf El-Din, Executive Director of the University’s Main Center for International Relations and International Students Affairs, as well as representatives and senior officials from the University of Western Macedonia.

   The meeting aimed to explore prospects for joint academic and research cooperation and to establish advanced international partnerships in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation. These efforts support the university’s strategic orientation toward greater engagement with global academic institutions and provide valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members to benefit from international expertise and best practices.

   Prof. Mohamed Hussein emphasized that the meeting was held in response to a communication from the Supreme Council of Universities regarding the pioneering initiative launched by the Egyptian Cultural Center in Athens. The initiative seeks to strengthen ties between Egyptian universities and their distinguished Greek counterparts, including the University of Western Macedonia, the Hellenic Open University, the University of Thessaly, and the Higher Institute of Tourism Education in Crete.

    The President of Tanta University explained that academic openness and the development of enduring strategic partnerships with leading European universities represent a cornerstone of the university’s vision for enhancing its educational and research systems. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members to exchange knowledge, participate in contemporary international programs, and enhance their competitiveness within a global academic environment.

    Prof. Hussein further noted that international cooperation constitutes a key driver for achieving sustainable development goals, improving the quality of higher education and scientific research, and strengthening Tanta University’s competitive position at both regional and global levels. He praised the fruitful initiative of the Egyptian Cultural Center in Athens and the broad opportunities it provides for collaboration with major Greek universities, thereby supporting the aspirations of higher education institutions in both countries. He also extended his appreciation to the University’s Main Center for International Relations and International Students Affairs.

   For his part, Prof. Hatem Amin stated that the meeting included presentations of the academic and research capabilities of both universities. Tanta University was introduced as one of Egypt’s leading higher education institutions, serving more than 100,000 students across various academic levels and comprising 15 faculties covering scientific and humanities disciplines. The university also possesses specialized research centers, advanced laboratories, and modern infrastructure that support education, research, and innovation.

   He added that discussions addressed several strategic areas of mutual interest, including green technologies and energy transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced automation, cultural heritage preservation, digital documentation of historical buildings using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), agricultural innovation, as well as training, lifelong learning, and capacity-building programs.

   Prof. Shahira Sharaf El-Din affirmed that the Main Center for International Relations and International Students Affairs continuously monitors opportunities for international cooperation and partnerships that enhance Tanta University’s global standing. She noted that the Center coordinates with faculties and relevant university bodies to assess proposed areas of collaboration and develop implementation mechanisms that maximize benefits for students, researchers, and faculty members.

   During the meeting, the University of Western Macedonia presented its academic and research strengths, highlighting its advanced expertise in green hydrogen, digital transformation, data centers, engineering, and innovation. The university also outlined its structure, which includes six campuses, 21 academic departments, and advanced research programs supporting the transition toward a green economy and sustainable development.

   Both parties further discussed opportunities for establishing joint academic programs and dual-degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, organizing short-term academic visits, and collaborating on regional and international research projects and grants, including programs supported by Egypt’s Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF).

   The proposed partnership is expected to enhance joint scientific output, foster innovation and technology transfer, and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that serve society and support development efforts. It reflects the shared vision of both universities to establish a successful model of international academic cooperation between Egypt and Greece and to open new avenues for collaboration in education, scientific research, and community service.