Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, held a meeting with Mr. Sergio Carranza, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Dr. Francisco Javier, President of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, along with the accompanying delegation, to discuss opportunities for joint cooperation in the fields of university education, scientific research, and innovation. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa emphasized that Egyptian-Spanish relations are witnessing an advanced stage of coordination and 
rapprochement at various levels, opening the door for increased academic and research cooperation between higher education institutions in both countries, especially in light of the unprecedented support that Egypt’s higher education system receives from the political leadership.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa explained that the Ministry is implementing a strategy aimed at the internationalization of higher education and cooperation with distinguished international academic institutions, contributing to knowledge transfer, exchange of expertise, and the enhancement of educational and research efficiency within Egyptian universities.
The Minister noted that partnership with the Spanish side represents a qualitative addition, particularly in areas related to applied scientific research, innovation, and market-oriented education. He also stressed the importance of benefiting from the Spanish experience in strengthening integration between universities and the industrial and production sectors.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa also reviewed the efforts made by the الدولة to create a university environment conducive to creativity through the expansion of technology valleys and business incubators, enhancing the role of universities as centers for knowledge production and comprehensive development.
For his part, the Spanish Ambassador affirmed the depth of the strategic relations between Egypt and the Kingdom of Spain, praising the remarkable progress achieved by Egypt’s higher education system in recent years, both in terms of institutional expansion and modernization of educational programs.
The delegation from the Autonomous University of Barcelona expressed its interest in building effective partnerships with Egyptian universities, developing modern academic programs, and implementing joint educational and research initiatives that respond to the rapid changes in the global labor market.
The meeting also addressed opportunities for expanding joint programs, technical training, and skills development, in addition to supporting research projects and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within universities, in line with the state's orientation toward a knowledge-based economy.
The discussions included mechanisms for implementing direct cooperation between Egyptian universities and their Spanish counterparts through academic exchange visits, the development of joint academic programs, and the enhancement of student and research mobility between both sides.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing partnership in a way that supports the path of bilateral cooperation and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.
The meeting was attended on behalf of the Ministry by Dr. Mohamed El-Sharkawy, Assistant Minister for Policies and Economic Affairs, and Dr. Salma Yousry, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation.
Also attending on behalf of the Egyptian European Foundation for International Universities were Dr. Mamoun Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ibrahim Gouda, Board Member, and Major General Osama Ghanem, Board Member.
From the Spanish side, attendees included Dr. Oscar Gen Chica, Vice President for International Relations, Dr. Manuel Valiente, Director of the Autonomous University of Barcelona Program in Egypt, and Mr. Enrique Verdeguer Puig, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Spanish Embassy.
