In a significant scientific and academic milestone reflecting Port Said University’s standing and its stride toward internationalization, Prof. Sherif Youssef Saleh, President of Port Said University, signed an international cooperation agreement with Prof. Rik van de Walle, Rector of Ghent University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, ranked among the world’s top 100.
The signing ceremony was attended by:
• Prof. Ahmed Hassan Anwar, Advisor to the President of Port Said University for International Relations
• Dr Annelies Verdoolaege, Director of the International Relations Office, Ghent University
• Prof. Aymon Kreil, Professor of Arabic Studies, Faculty of Arts, Ghent University
• Ms. Isabelle Jacob, International Relations Office, Ghent University
• Ms. Ann Desmet, International Relations Office, Ghent University
Prof. Rik van de Walle, Rector of Ghent University, warmly welcomed the President of Port Said University along with his accompanying delegation and delivered a detailed presentation on the rich history of Ghent University (founded in 1817) and its distinguished academic and research reputation. Prof. Sherif Youssef Saleh presented an overview of Port Said University, its faculties and sectors, emphasizing the University’s commitment to strengthening its international academic partnerships.
On the sidelines of the visit, Dr Annelies Verdoolaege, Director of the International Relations Office, Ghent University, organized an intensive program for the President of Port Said University and his Advisor for International Relations, including a visit to the Faculty of Medicine. The delegation was received by:
• Prof. Lisa Marie Kinnaer, Faculty of Nursing, Ghent University
• Prof. Monten, Faculty of Medicine, Ghent University
• Prof. van Lierde, Faculty of Medicine, Ghent University
The faculty members expressed their warm welcome and keen interest in scientific and research collaboration with Port Said University. They congratulated the President of Port Said University on the inauguration of Port Said University Hospital before accompanying him on a guided tour of Ghent University Hospital, which lasted more than two hours.
During the visit, the President of Port Said University also met with Prof. Gita Deneckere, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Ghent University, in the presence of:
• Prof. Jo van Steenbergen, Professor of Islamic and Arabic History, Faculty of Arts, Ghent University
• Prof. Aymon Kreil, Professor of Arabic Studies, Faculty of Arts, Ghent University
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts expressed her pleasure in welcoming the President of Port Said University, affirming her anticipation of receiving Port Said University students within the framework of student exchange programs starting in the 2026 academic year. She discussed with him the future of international cooperation between the Faculty of Arts, Ghent University, and the Faculty of Arts, Port Said University, including reciprocal student exchange programs, and presented commemorative gifts to the President of Port Said University.
For his part, Prof. Sherif Youssef Saleh reaffirmed the University’s commitment to broadening its international collaboration. He presented the University’s shield to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and awarded a commemorative shield to Prof. Jo van Steenbergen in recognition of his outstanding scholarly contributions to the study of Arabic and Islamic history.
The visit concluded with a formal dinner hosted by Ghent University’s International Relations Office in honor of the President of Port Said University. The dinner, which lasted over three hours, provided an atmosphere that reflected the depth of the academic relationship between the two universities and allowed for further discussions on the future of joint cooperation.
This historic visit comes within the framework of Port Said University’s strategic plan to engage with leading international universities and establish academic and research partnerships that will enhance its global ranking. It aims to open new horizons for faculty members, researchers, and students to participate in pioneering scientific projects and academic and cultural exchange programs with prestigious institutions.
Prof. Sherif Youssef Saleh, President of Port Said University, emphasized that this step marks only the beginning of a series of international agreements intended to reinforce Port Said University’s position on the global higher education map. He added:
“We are working diligently to ensure that Port Said University becomes an active partner in knowledge creation and an academic hub that reflects Egypt’s stature and aligns with the requirements of sustainable development.”
