Indonesia, Egypt Expand Cooperation in Education, Including University Partnerships, Joint Research

Efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Egypt must be supported with closer people-to-people relationship, including through cooperation in education sector.

The statement was made by President Prabowo Subianto during a joint press conference with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Sunday (10/11).

President Prabowo stated that cooperation in education sector between the two countries has been established for a long time, reflected by the vast number of Indonesian students studying in Egypt and Indonesia’s close tie with Al-Azhar University.

“In education, we are all aware that a very large number of our students are pursuing their studies in Egypt. Our relationship with Al-Azhar University has been longstanding, and we now wish to further strengthen that relationship,” he said.

The cooperation is also being expanded to various levels of education, for instance the teaching of Indonesian language and literature at Al-Azhar University.

In the future, Indonesia expected educational opportunities are open for more Indonesian students and university students to pursue their studies in Egypt. At the same time, President Prabowo has invited Egyptian educational institutions to deepen their involvement in Indonesia’s education sector, including by sending lecturers and other educators.

In addition, Indonesian government is ready to expand educational cooperation through various programs including student exchange, university partnerships, and joint research.

“We appreciate Egypt’s offer to provide additional scholarships, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, and science,” the President said.

In the meantime, President El-Sisi welcomed the enhancement of educational cooperation, while affirming Egypt’s commitment to always welcome Indonesian students to pursue their education at Al-Azhar University or other universities in Egypt.

According to him, cooperation in education sector poses a vital role to bridge and strengthen Indonesia-Egypt’s people-to-people relations.

“We are also fully committed to continuing our cooperation and serving as a bridge to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship, as well as mutual understanding between our two nations,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)