Minister of Higher Education inaugurates the Middle East and Africa Center of Silk Road Studies

Prof. Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab Ezzat, President of the University and the Chinese Ambassador in Cairo, opened the Center of Silk Road Studies and Research at the University. This came in the presence of Prof. Dr. Hussein Essa, Chairman of the Committee on Planning and Budget in the House of Representatives, Liu Wei President of the Chinese People's University.

In his speech, Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Khaled Abdul Ghaffar said that relations between Egypt and China have been rooted for many years, which supports all current partnerships, especially in light of Egypt's position on the belt and the road.

He added that universities are not only a place for research and academic sciences, but have become a key partner in advancing institutional work within their communities and providing comprehensive community services.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Wahab Ezzat explained that the Silk Road Studies and Research Center at Ain Shams University is the first in Egypt and the Middle East and the second in the world after Russia. Ain Shams University was chosen as the representative of Egypt to be the headquarters of this center, which is being held in cooperation between Ain Shams University and the Chinese People's University. He pointed out that the signing of the agreement for the establishment of Studies and Research Center of Silk Road was held last November at the headquarters of the Chinese People's University in Beijing, to be the first platform for Chinese studies in the Middle East and Africa. Two main headquarters were also set up in the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) at Ain Shams University and the headquarters of the Chinese capital Beijing at the People's University of China.

He stressed that Ain Shams University is not only represented in this project, but also by all academic research institutions in Egypt and Africa. He explained that Ain Shams University seeks to mobilize the available resources and communicate with the largest number of Egyptian, Arab and African universities to participate in this project.

The Chinese ambassador in Cairo said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the center of studies and research of the Silk Road in Egypt as the main gateway to Africa, one of the countries located on the belt and the road, which includes 63 European, African and Asian countries. He added that the launch of this center would increase cooperation between the two countries.

Professor Liu Wei, president of the People's University of China, reviewed the most distinguished characteristics of the People's University. It has the first place in the quality of education for more than nine disciplines in China, the largest university to graduate Chinese government officials and submit periodic reports to the Chinese government. He stressed that the university will seek to achieve the success of this center through all the resources and advantages possessed by the university, especially the National College for Development and Strategic Studies, which is one of the most important research bodies, which is the main partner representing the university in the implementation of the work and research of this center.

He stressed that the cooperation between the two universities started since 2012 and continues to increase and expand the base of partnership between the two sides.

He concluded by saying that the opening of the Silk Road Studies and Research Center is the first step in the 1,000-mile route.