Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, attended the Egyptian–South Korean Universities Cooperation Forum, held today at Cairo University with high-level participation. The event was honored by H.E. Lee Jae-myung, President of South Korea, on his first official visit to Egypt since assuming office in June 2025, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education, Prof. Mohamed Sami Abdelsadek, President of Cairo University, as well as a number of Egyptian and Korean university presidents, vice presidents, ministers, ambassadors, senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, deans, faculty members, representatives from educational and research institutions, and a large student audience.

Prof. El-Kased expressed his pride in Menoufia University’s participation in the forum, highlighting Egypt’s strategic orientation towards enhancing international cooperation in higher education and scientific research, and promoting knowledge exchange with leading global institutions. He noted that the forum reflects the long-standing and evolving Egyptian–Korean relations, particularly in higher education and scientific research, emphasizing that South Korea is a key partner in Egypt’s development journey. He stressed the universities’ aspiration to benefit from South Korea’s pioneering experience in technology, industry, and innovation, opening wide opportunities for academic partnerships that support the advancement of higher education and Egypt’s sustainable development goals under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The University President highlighted that participation in this significant forum also contributes to Menoufia University’s strategy for expanding international cooperation and learning from successful global experiences. He noted that South Korea provides a model for developing academic and research programs. Menoufia University is currently studying agreements with prestigious Korean universities to enhance student and researcher capacities, foster innovation, and promote entrepreneurship.

Prof. El-Kased further emphasized the university’s focus on advancing engineering and technological education, fields where South Korea has extensive expertise, making collaboration a real opportunity to enhance educational quality and support industry applications and digital transformation.

He noted that President Lee Jae-myung expressed his pleasure at participating in the forum, praised the historical ties between Egypt and South Korea, and highlighted comprehensive cooperative partnerships in energy, construction, innovation, artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and education. He recognized Egypt’s strategic location and the historical achievements of both peoples, praising President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the success of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit.

Prof. El-Kased added that President Lee discussed the “SHINE” initiative, encompassing Peace, Prosperity, and Culture, aimed at creating a brighter future for the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula, with direct South Korean contributions toward peace in the region. He announced South Korea’s $10 million donation to the Egyptian Red Crescent and cooperation with Egypt in Gaza reconstruction. He also highlighted examples of Egypt–Korea cooperation, including electric trains, mobile phones, and joint production initiatives, emphasizing plans for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two countries.

Additionally, President Lee expressed interest in expanding collaboration between the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Korea, sharing expertise and celebrating Egypt’s ancient civilization.

In his speech, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, welcomed President Lee to Egypt, emphasizing that the visit reflects the depth of Egyptian–Korean relations and the shared commitment to advancing higher education, scientific research, innovation, industry, and technology. He noted that the partnership between Egypt and South Korea has produced distinguished academic and research programs, pioneering industrial and technological projects, and a shared vision investing in human capital and building a knowledge-based economy. The visit represents a strong impetus to broaden opportunities for Egyptian youth and academic institutions and marks the beginning of a new phase of joint cooperation for a more prosperous future for both nations.

The forum concluded with a commitment to continue coordination between Egypt and South Korea, implementing the agreed initiatives, advancing scientific cooperation, and strengthening Egypt’s higher education system while enhancing the global standing of Egyptian universities.