Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, received Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Education of the Republic of Rwanda and Special Envoy of H.E. President Paul Kagame, along with H.E. Ambassador Dan Munyuza, Ambassador of Rwanda to Egypt, to discuss ways to deepen strategic cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research between the two countries.
During the meeting, Dr. Nsengimana delivered a written message from H.E. President Paul Kagame to be conveyed to H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Konsowa affirmed the depth of Egypt’s relations with its African partners, emphasizing the State’s commitment to strengthening ties with all countries across the continent in a manner that supports development and prosperity for their peoples.
The Minister highlighted the strong relations between Egypt and Rwanda, stressing Egypt’s readiness to provide all necessary support to enhance cooperation, particularly in the fields of higher education and scientific research.
He also referred to the establishment of branches of Egyptian universities across Africa, including Alexandria University’s branch in N’Djamena, Chad, and its branch in Juba, South Sudan, in addition to the reactivation of Cairo University’s branch in Khartoum.
Dr. Konsowa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding its presence across the continent and facilitating the transfer of Egyptian academic expertise in vital scientific disciplines, contributing to building African capacities capable of leading development in their countries.
For his part, Dr. Joseph Nsengimana expressed his country’s pride in its historic relations with Egypt, praising the recent advancements witnessed by Egyptian universities.
The Rwandan Minister also expressed his country’s aspiration to benefit from Egyptian expertise in developing technological and applied education systems, noting Rwanda’s strategy to equip its youth with advanced technological skills and to promote applied scientific research.
H.E. Ambassador Dan Munyuza commended Egypt’s pivotal role as a beacon of knowledge and science in Africa, affirming Rwanda’s commitment to overcoming any obstacles that may hinder student and academic exchange between the two sides. He also praised the ongoing coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education to establish effective partnerships between universities in both countries, in line with their shared visions for regional integration and sustainable development.
The meeting included extensive discussions on enhancing academic cooperation across a wide range of programs, including the provision of specialized educational programs in both English and French to broaden access for students and researchers.
Both sides also explored opportunities for cooperation in technological and applied universities, given their importance in preparing technical cadres and meeting labor market demands, as well as promoting knowledge exchange in modern technologies, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, discussions addressed advancing joint research cooperation in priority areas for both countries, particularly agriculture, water resources, and renewable energy, through collaborative research projects aimed at delivering innovative solutions that support sustainable development.
Participants emphasized the importance of prioritizing applied scientific research that addresses development needs and strengthens the linkage between research and industry.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in addressing shared continental challenges, particularly climate change and energy and water crises, in line with the critical role of scientific research as a key pillar in tackling such challenges.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; Dr. Salma Yousry, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation; and Dr. Islam Abou El-Magd, Advisor to the Minister for African Affairs and Space Technology.
A high-level delegation also attended, including Ambassador Fatma El-Zahraa Atman, Personal Representative of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the International Organization of La Francophonie; Minister Plenipotentiary Engy El-Samnoudy, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Francophone Affairs; Minister Plenipotentiary Mona Arafa, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nile Water and Nile Basin Countries Affairs; First Secretary Ahmed Roshdy, Director of the Office of the Assistant Minister for African Affairs; and Ms. Alice Uwabiza, Second Counsellor at the Embassy.
