During his official visit to the University of Louisville in Kentucky, Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between 12 Egyptian universities (Alexandria University, Assiut University, Mansoura University, Menoufia University, Benha University, El Alamein International University, New Mansoura University, Alexandria Private University, Assiut Private University, Mansoura Private University, Menoufia Private University, and Benha Private University) with the University of Louisville. The agreements aim to establish a joint track for obtaining a Master's degree in Engineering Sciences in engineering specializations. The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Catherine Carderelli, Interim Provost of the University of Louisville, Professor Emmanuel Collins, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and representatives from the university administration and the Faculty of Engineering, in addition to a delegation of presidents of the participating Egyptian universities. Prof. Ahmed El-Kased signed the agreement on behalf of Menoufia University and Menoufia Private University.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed online by Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. He delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the signing of this agreement between Egyptian universities and the University of Louisville is an important step in the development of Egyptian higher education. It underscores the Egyptian state's commitment to academic openness and cooperation with major international universities to build a modern educational system that keeps pace with global changes and contributes to the preparation of cadres capable of competing internationally.

The Minister indicated that the Ministry supports and encourages the establishment of partnerships and cooperation agreements between Egyptian universities and their international counterparts in various academic and research fields, emphasizing the Ministry's and universities' interest in benefiting from the expertise of friendly countries in the field of higher education. To increase the competitiveness of graduates based on modern knowledge and contemporary education systems, this will positively impact the performance of Egyptian universities in the coming years, in line with the goals of the National Education Strategy. International partnerships also represent a key pillar of the Ministry's strategy, given their significant role in exchanging expertise, transferring technology, supporting scientific research, and expanding learning opportunities for students and faculty members. He emphasized the Ministry's full support for every initiative that contributes to raising the quality of education and enabling university institutions to achieve regional and international leadership.

The University President expressed his happiness at signing this agreement. The signing of the agreement was the culmination of a series of fruitful meetings held during the visit, which included a number of university faculties, the Brown Cancer Institute, the International Center for Joint Programs, and a large number of academic leaders at the American University. These meetings resulted in both parties agreeing on the importance of exchanging expertise and developing joint academic programs, in line with international standards and enhancing the position of Egyptian universities on the global stage.

The President of Menoufia University emphasized that the agreement will open new horizons for academic and research cooperation between the two sides, covering multiple areas, most notably: developing joint study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels; supporting joint scientific research in priority disciplines; exchanging faculty members, researchers, and students; organizing scientific workshops and conferences between Egyptian universities and the University of Louisville; and opening up broad horizons for cooperation in multiple disciplines. This serves the goals of sustainable development and the National Strategy for Higher Education, and benefits students, faculty members, and academic institutions on both sides.

The President of the University also explained that this step represents a strong push towards developing Egyptian university education, enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities regionally and internationally, and providing real opportunities for students and faculty members to benefit from global expertise and transfer it to Egypt. This partnership also represents a successful model for academic and research integration between Egyptian universities and their international counterparts, opening up broad horizons for students and professors to benefit from international expertise and develop academic and research programs in line with global standards and labor market requirements.

Menoufia University hopes this agreement will be the beginning of further fruitful cooperation between Egyptian universities and international educational institutions, contributing to supporting development plans and the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to develop higher education in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the goals of the new republic.

University of Louisville leaders expressed their warm welcome to this partnership, praising Egypt's progress in the higher education and scientific research sector and affirming their full commitment to activating cooperation to achieve mutual interests.

It is worth noting that the agreement will contribute to opening new horizons for Egyptian students to complete postgraduate studies at the University of Louisville, according to the credit-hour system. The program stipulates that students complete six credit hours at their home university in Egypt, then proceed to complete an additional 24 credit hours at the University of Louisville, qualifying them to obtain a Master's degree in Engineering Sciences in various specializations.

This cooperation represents a flexible academic transfer pathway, enabling students to complete part of their studies at the Egyptian university and then directly enroll in graduate programs at the University of Louisville, according to approved academic requirements. It is not considered a formal dual or joint program.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Nermin Sabry, the Egyptian Cultural Counselor to the United States of America; Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University; Prof. Essam El-Kurdi, President of El Alamein International University; Prof. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, President of Alexandria University; Prof. Moawad El-Kholi, President of New Mansoura University; Prof. Hussein El-Maghrabi, Vice President of Benha Private University; Prof. Ayman El-Baz, Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Louisville; and a number of faculty members from the University of Louisville. Following the signing ceremony, a shield and commemorative gifts were exchanged between the two universities.