Discussions Focus on Expanding Student and Faculty Exchange Between Egyptian and Uzbek Universities
Talks Cover the Establishment of Joint Centers of Excellence and Cooperation in Medicine, Technology, Energy, Water, and Green Hydrogen
Konsowa: Egypt Attaches Great Importance to Strengthening Cooperation with Uzbekistan in Higher Education and Scientific Research
As part of his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan to participate in the First International Islamic Forum on Islamic Civilization, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, toured the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, where he was welcomed by Uzbek officials, the Center's leadership, and representatives of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
During the visit, the Minister toured the Center's exhibition halls and collections, which showcase the richness of Islamic civilization and its enduring values of moderation, tolerance, and enlightenment. He also reviewed the Center's efforts to highlight the scientific, cultural, and intellectual contributions of the Islamic world throughout history.
Dr. Konsowa praised the Center's outstanding organization and its integrated vision, which harmoniously combines culture, architecture, religion, and aesthetics. He emphasized that the Center is far more than a museum or cultural institution; it is a dynamic knowledge platform capable of connecting heritage with the future and transforming the Islamic civilizational legacy into a source of inspiration for research, education, and innovation.
Following the tour, Dr. Konsowa held talks with H.E. Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, during which the two sides explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation.
The meeting addressed several areas of potential collaboration, foremost among them expanding student and faculty exchange programs between Egyptian and Uzbek universities, strengthening academic and research partnerships between higher education institutions in both countries, and enhancing cooperation in priority fields including medicine, science, technology, energy, water resources, and green hydrogen.
The two ministers also discussed the possibility of establishing joint Centers of Excellence in a number of scientific and research fields of mutual interest, particularly in water, energy, and green hydrogen. They further explored mechanisms for supporting joint academic programs, enhancing cooperation in academic accreditation, and building stronger university partnerships aligned with the development priorities of both countries.
The discussions also covered opportunities to benefit from each country's experience in attracting international students, including through specialized digital platforms promoting higher education opportunities. Such initiatives would support student mobility and enhance the regional and international profile of Egyptian and Uzbek universities.
Dr. Konsowa reaffirmed that Egypt attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in higher education and scientific research, particularly in light of the deep historical and cultural ties shared by the two countries and their common commitment to advancing education, promoting scientific research, and building academic and research partnerships that support sustainable development priorities.
For his part, H.E. Kongratbay Sharipov affirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to expanding cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt in higher education, scientific research, and innovation, while broadening partnerships between universities and research institutions in both countries in a manner that serves their shared interests and supports sustainable development.
The tour and bilateral meeting were attended by Ambassador Tamer Hammad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Uzbekistan; Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; and Dr. Mohamed El-Sergany, Egypt's Cultural Counselor in Russia.
Egypt's participation in the forum reflects its active role within the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). Egypt currently chairs the Organization's General Conference, while Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, serves as Chairman of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, underscoring the country's commitment to strengthening joint Islamic cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture.
