New Horizons for Academic Partnership: Cairo University and China's Northeast University Boost Cooperation in AI and Humanities Research

Dr. Mahmoud El Said, Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research, received a high-level delegation from Northeast University, China, led by Dr. Wang Zanren, to discuss ways to strengthen and expand academic and research cooperation between the two prestigious institutions.

In his opening remarks, Dr. El Said emphasized the depth of the strategic and historical relations between Egypt and China, highlighting that both nations possess great civilizations on a global scale. He also conveyed the greetings of Dr. Mohamed Samy Abdel Sadik, President of Cairo University, to the visiting delegation.

The Vice President stressed Cairo University's commitment to opening new avenues for international cooperation aimed at cultural exchange, maximizing the utilization of academic and research expertise, and achieving significant advancement in international rankings.

Targeted Areas of Cooperation:

The meeting focused on discussing means of bolstering joint cooperation between Cairo University and Northeast University, concentrating on three main areas:

1. Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages: With the goal of widening frameworks for mutual understanding and research.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Dr. El Said expressed the University's aspiration to link the fields of social sciences and humanities with AI technologies, in line with the University's recently launched AI strategy.

3. Organizing an International "Civilizations Forum": A proposal to establish a joint forum for the two universities to exchange civilizational expertise.

Dr. El Said noted the particular interest of Chinese students at Cairo University in the Arabic language, both at the Faculty of Arts and through the Confucius Institute. He also highlighted the significant role played by the Faculties of Graduate Studies for Education and Early Childhood Education in preparing distinguished cohorts of teachers.

The Chinese Perspective:

For his part, Dr. Wang Zanren, head of the Northeast University delegation, expressed his pleasure at visiting the venerable Cairo University, noting the great affinity between Egyptian and Chinese cultures and their ancient civilizations. He reviewed his university's history, which dates back over 100 years and focuses on teacher training.

Dr. Zanren conveyed his university's aspiration to expand the scope and circles of joint cooperation with Cairo University, especially in the field of social sciences, developing it and linking it to AI technologies, in addition to co-organizing the international "Civilizations Forum."

The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative shields and gifts, and a photo session. The Chinese delegation then toured the Grand Celebration Hall. Attendees included Dr. Rehab Mahmoud, Director of the Confucius Institute and Head of the Chinese Language Department, Dr. Heidi Bayoumi, Supervisor of the International Relations Office, and Dr. Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed, Coordinator of Sino-Egyptian Relations.