As part of Egypt’s strategy to strengthen international cooperation and openness to advanced educational models, Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, held a meeting with Prof. Dr. Michael Hoch, President of the University of Bonn and President of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo (GUC) and the German International University (GIU); Dr. Yasser Hegazy, President of the German University in Cairo; Dr. Salma Yousri, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation; and Ms. Yomna El-Shazly, Administrative Director at the German International University.
At the outset, the Minister emphasized the depth of Egyptian-German relations, noting that cooperation between the two countries represents a successful model of international partnership in higher education, scientific research, and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Konsowa highlighted Egypt’s strong commitment to expanding international academic partnerships and attracting leading global universities, contributing to knowledge transfer, the development of the educational system, and the provision of high-quality educational opportunities that prepare graduates for regional and international labor markets.
He noted that Egypt’s higher education system is witnessing a qualitative leap, supported by a vision aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Egyptian universities. He affirmed that the Ministry is working to build a modern education system based on innovation and knowledge by developing academic programs and expanding international partnerships in line with future requirements.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Michael Hoch expressed his pleasure with the ongoing cooperation with Egypt, affirming the University of Bonn’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Egyptian academic institutions and supporting joint initiatives in education and scientific research. He also expressed his aspiration to expand cooperation in ways that enhance knowledge exchange, foster innovation, and create added value for both sides, with a particular focus on supporting young researchers and strengthening fundamental research as a cornerstone of long-term innovation.
Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of GUC and GIU, emphasized that Egyptian-German cooperation represents an advanced model of international partnerships based on integration and knowledge exchange. He highlighted the importance of adopting leading global models in supporting scientific research, particularly the “Clusters of Excellence” programs, which rely on long-term strategic funding of research groups and contribute to creating attractive scientific environments that draw global talent. This enhances the ability of academic institutions to achieve sustainable research excellence. He further noted that supporting translational research and linking it to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) is a key step toward transforming research outputs into industrial applications, thereby supporting the national economy and aligning research with development and labor market needs.
Dr. Yasser Hegazy, President of the German University in Cairo, affirmed that the university represents a successful model of Egyptian-German academic and technological cooperation. He noted that the coming phase will witness further expansion in joint programs with the University of Bonn, particularly in advanced technological fields, contributing to the preparation of graduates with competitive skills at both regional and international levels.
Dr. Salma Yousri, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, explained that the Ministry is working to create a supportive environment for effective international partnerships. She emphasized that cooperation with the German side reflects a strategic direction toward the internationalization of higher education, strengthening academic exchange programs, and building researchers’ capacities in line with national development priorities.
The meeting included extensive discussions on developing joint and dual academic programs, enhancing research collaboration in priority areas, supporting student and faculty exchange programs, linking research outputs to industry, and exchanging expertise in innovation support and talent attraction.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint action plan in the coming period, including identifying priority research areas, exploring mechanisms for applying international research excellence models, and activating joint research projects, thereby strengthening scientific cooperation and supporting efforts to build a knowledge-based economy in Egypt.
