On May 7, 2025, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, met with Ambassador Mohamed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Comoros, to discuss enhancing academic and research cooperation between the two nations. The meeting took place at the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt.
During this significant meeting, Minister Ashour highlighted the historical ties that connect Egypt and Comoros, describing the two as "brotherly countries." He emphasized Egypt's ongoing commitment to strengthen these relations by expanding joint cooperation agreements, particularly in higher education and scientific research.
As part of this initiative, Ashour expressed the Ministry's eagerness to support students from Comoros and encourage them to pursue their studies in Egypt through the "Study in Egypt" initiative. This program aims to attract international students by showcasing Egypt's educational offerings and infrastructure.
Furthermore, Ashour noted Egypt's dedication to developing its educational institutions to meet global standards. This includes enhancing technical and industrial education, updating educational programs, and providing modern curricula that align with academic advancements. The goal is to position Egypt as a leading educational hub in the Middle East and Africa.
He also pointed out the importance of Egyptian universities forming partnerships with prestigious international institutions to offer relevant educational programs that meet the demands of the local, regional, and international job markets. This strategy aligns with the national strategy for higher education and scientific research.
During the discussions, Dr. Ashour reviewed the significant progress made in the Egyptian higher education system, which has opened new avenues for diverse cooperation with various Egyptian governmental, private, technical, and technological universities. He emphasized the focus on modern specializations that are in line with global advancements in science and technology.
The meeting also explored ways to enhance collaboration between Egyptian universities and their counterparts in Comoros, including mechanisms for providing scholarships to students. The two sides discussed the implementation of research projects in scientific fields of mutual interest, aiming to achieve sustainable development goals in both countries and to foster innovation through the exchange of technical expertise.
In response, the Comorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed gratitude for Egypt's support and emphasized the importance of nurturing the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the need to strengthen ties between universities and establish new partnerships between academic institutions from both countries.
He praised Egypt's advanced infrastructure and human resources, which contribute to providing a distinguished educational experience. The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Dr. Ayman Farid, the Minister's Assistant for Strategic Planning; Dr. Ahmed Abd Al-Ghani, the head of the central administration for international student affairs; and Dr. Mohamed Ghanem, the head of the central administration for the Minister's office.
On the same day, Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, the head of the Council of Ministers, chaired the weekly government meeting at the New Administrative Capital. The meeting addressed various work topics and files, starting with an overview of recent activities undertaken by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, including meetings with international officials to discuss pressing issues.
Prime Minister Madbouly reiterated Egypt's support for the recent ceasefire agreement in Yemen, expressing hope that it would facilitate navigation freedom in the Red Sea. He also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.
Furthermore, he highlighted the ongoing Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts aimed at resolving the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Prime Minister stressed the need to alleviate the suffering of civilians and create conditions conducive to a comprehensive settlement.
Madbouly also touched upon the recent Labor Day celebration attended by President El-Sisi, where awards were presented to distinguished workers from various sectors. He extended congratulations to the dedicated workers of Egypt on their special day, which is celebrated annually on May 1st.
During the meeting, he emphasized the government's commitment to creating a conducive work environment that aligns with global technological changes across various sectors. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of Egyptian workers and meet the needs of local and international job markets.
The Prime Minister discussed the significance of the newly enacted Labor Law, which aims to support labor rights and ensure a stable and balanced work environment, promoting job security for workers in accordance with international labor agreements.
Additionally, Madbouly mentioned the recent inauguration of the second phase of the Suez Canal Company for solid steel, which aligns with the state's efforts to attract investments and bolster the role of the private sector in boosting production across various priority sectors.
He affirmed the importance of cooperation among various stakeholders to implement measures that would expedite reforms across different sectors, ultimately improving economic and financial indicators despite existing regional and global challenges.
In the meeting, Alaa Farouk, the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, provided updates on the wheat crop supply, noting that 1.4 million tons had been supplied so far, with the highest daily supply reaching 130,000 tons. He indicated that future supplies are expected to increase.
Ahmed Kojak, the Minister of Finance, reported that the disbursement of three tranches allocated to cotton farmers has been completed, with minor issues being resolved in collaboration with relevant ministers.
Sharif Al-Sharbini, the Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, mentioned a meeting focused on urban development and real estate export, discussing proposals to support this promising sector. He noted that the Ministry of Housing has initiated the financial preparations needed to establish a real estate fund, currently being handled by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
In conclusion, both meetings reflect Egypt's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering international cooperation, while also addressing domestic economic and social challenges with a forward-looking approach.