Egypt and France launched a major two-day higher education and scientific research forum in Cairo on Monday, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Egypt. The event brings together approximately 400 participants from over 100 institutions across both countries [1,3].

The forum, held under the patronage of Egyptian Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ayman Ashour and French Minister of Higher Education Philippe Baptiste, aims to strengthen bilateral academic cooperation and research partnerships between the two nations [1,4].

Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research, outlined Egypt's national strategy for higher education, emphasizing seven key principles including integration, interdisciplinary studies, communication, active participation, sustainability, international benchmarking, and innovation [2,3].

"This forum represents a milestone in Egyptian-French bilateral relations, reflecting the depth of academic and research ties between our countries," stated Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities [4].

The event will feature specialized sessions on internationalizing higher education systems, current academic cooperation, and strengthening links between academia and business sectors. Notable agreements expected to be signed include partnerships with French engineering schools and post-doctoral funding programs [5,6].

The collaboration currently encompasses over 70 joint projects in healthcare, engineering, digital transformation, and social sciences. Plans are underway to transfer more than 30 French degree programs to Egyptian universities, with three French institutions expressing interest in establishing branches in Egypt [7].