Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, met this week with Eric Chevallier, France’s ambassador to Egypt, to review progress on the construction of the new campus of the French University in Egypt (UFE), a flagship project aimed at deepening academic cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s Private Education Building in New Cairo, was attended by senior Egyptian and French education officials, including Mounir Fakhry, chairman of UFE’s Board of Trustees, and Mohamed Roshdy, president of the university.
Strengthening a Strategic Academic Partnership
Ashour emphasized the depth of Egyptian-French relations, particularly in higher education and scientific research, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in recent years. That collaboration has included joint scientific forums, academic exchanges, scholarship programs, and a series of bilateral agreements designed to enhance institutional partnerships.
Egypt, he said, is keen to further strengthen these ties as part of a broader strategy to internationalize its higher education system and align it with global standards.
A Flagship Project With State Support
The minister highlighted that the French University project enjoys strong backing from the Egyptian state and is envisioned as a leading academic and research institution. The new campus is planned as a next-generation smart university, integrating advanced digital systems and modern educational technologies.
Ashour stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the project is implemented to the highest standards, describing it as a model of international academic cooperation and a reflection of the close political and cultural ties between Egypt and France. He added that the initiative has the support of the political leadership in both countries.
Construction Progress and Implementation Timelines
During the meeting, officials reviewed detailed updates on construction work at the new campus, including execution rates and adherence to previously established timelines. According to ministry officials, construction is progressing in line with planned schedules.
Discussions also focused on mechanisms to support the university’s long-term development, with an emphasis on transforming it into a research-driven institution that leverages cutting-edge digital infrastructure and provides a modern learning environment.
France Reaffirms Commitment to the Project
Amb. Chevallier praised Egypt’s efforts to modernize its higher education and research sectors, reaffirming France’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Cairo. He described the French University in Egypt as a key platform for knowledge exchange, academic mobility, and the transfer of French educational expertise to Egypt and the wider African continent.
The ambassador also underscored France’s interest in completing the new campus with the highest technical standards, noting that the university places particular emphasis on emerging disciplines and interdisciplinary programs aligned with regional and international labor market needs.
Toward a Regional Education Hub
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain close coordination as the project moves forward. Both sides emphasized that the new campus will contribute to Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for higher education and scientific research, while further cementing the long-standing partnership between Egypt and France.
Senior officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from the French diplomatic mission, attended the discussions.
