Mansoura University President Participates in Historic Meeting with South Korean President at Cairo University

Dr. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, participated in the historic meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, at the Grand Conference Hall in the Dome Building at Cairo University. The meeting was attended by high-level representatives from both the Egyptian and Korean sides, and was held under the auspices of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the South Korean President's visit to Cairo, coinciding with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea.

This historic meeting aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and expand academic and research cooperation between universities and scientific institutions on both sides. It also seeks to support the exchange of expertise and activate joint programs in the fields of education, innovation, and technology, thereby contributing to the development of human capabilities and the preparation of a new generation of students and researchers capable of meeting the requirements of sustainable development.

President Lee Jae-myung delivered a speech at the meeting entitled, "A Brighter Future Together," highlighting the importance of academic and research cooperation between the two countries and the role of youth and students in fostering innovation and exchanging scientific expertise. He also emphasized that stability, peace, and sustainable development are fundamental pillars for developing bilateral relations.

In press statements during the forum, Dr. Sherif Khater affirmed that Mansoura University is keen to strengthen strategic partnerships with prestigious higher education institutions in South Korea. The aim is to enhance the capabilities of students, researchers, and faculty members, and to improve the quality of academic and research outputs to meet the needs of the local, regional, and international labor markets.

Dr. Khater added that the university is working to activate frameworks for joint scientific and research cooperation, particularly in the fields of innovation, advanced technologies, energy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the directives of the political leadership to broaden the horizons of international cooperation in areas that directly contribute to achieving sustainable development.

Dr. Sherif Khater emphasized that strengthening cooperation with Korean universities and institutions is a strategic pillar for Mansoura University. He explained that it opens broad horizons for developing joint programs in the fields of energy, green hydrogen, and artificial intelligence, and for building the capacities of students and researchers to address contemporary challenges locally, regionally, and globally. This, in turn, supports innovation, contributes to achieving sustainable development, and enhances the university's international standing.

For his part, the Korean President affirmed that Egypt holds a special place in the hearts of the Korean people, noting that Egyptian civilization is a source of cultural and historical inspiration, and that Cairo University was the first university he visited in the world. He added that relations between Egypt and South Korea have spanned 30 years, and that the comprehensive partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect despite the geographical distance. He expressed his pride in the cooperation in the fields of education, cultural exchange, and trade. He also noted his country's commitment to peace and humanitarian cooperation, stressing the importance of supporting the reconstruction efforts in Gaza and announcing a $10 million grant to the Egyptian Red Crescent in recognition of its humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip. He added that his country is working to enhance cooperation in the fields of transportation, infrastructure, and metro systems, and to expand partnerships in artificial intelligence and hydrogen energy, in addition to providing scholarships for Egyptian students to study at Korean universities. He also praised the progress achieved in Egypt and the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which represents an important addition to global human heritage.

Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, described the South Korean President's visit to Cairo University as a sincere message embodying the depth of Egyptian-Korean relations and affirming the commitment of both sides to developing cooperation in the fields of higher education, scientific research, innovation, technology, and industry. He added that his pride in the academic and industrial partnership between Egypt and Korea, which has yielded pioneering academic and research programs and technological projects, reflecting a shared vision of investing in human capital and building a knowledge-based economy. He mentioned that Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, attaches great importance to openness and international cooperation and strengthening effective partnerships with friendly countries, and that the Korean President's visit represents a strong boost to these efforts and opens broader horizons for Egyptian youth and scientific institutions. He concluded his speech by thanking the Korean president for his continued support for academic and scientific cooperation, expressing his hope for a new phase of joint work that will add a new building block to a more prosperous future for both countries.