YSU rector hosts Egyptian Ambassador Amal Afifi to discuss new prospects for academic cooperation

During the meeting between YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Armenia, Amal Afifi, a number of issues related to education and science were discussed. Referring to both the historical ties and current interactions between Armenia and Egypt, they touched upon opportunities to further expand their collaboration.

Welcoming the distinguished guest and emphasizing the importance of strengthening and deepening Armenia–Egypt academic and scientific relations, Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan expressed hope that, in this context, student and lecturer exchanges, as well as interuniversity collaborations between the two countries, will continue under appropriate programs.

"The students of the Arabic Studies Chair at the Faculty of Oriental Studies have the opportunity each year to spend an academic year in Egypt, where they enhance their professional higher education," noted the rector.

YSU students, equipped with the necessary knowledge and practical skills, become in-demand and competitive specialists in the job market, with opportunities to work both in the country's public sector and in international organizations.

Hovhannes Hovhannisyan also congratulated the ambassador on the recent official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, describing it as a major cultural investment not only for Egypt but also in the preservation of the world's historical heritage.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Ambassador Amal Afifi reaffirmed her commitment to making every effort to support the development of Arabic studies at YSU and the creation of a conducive educational environment. To ensure the effectiveness and improvement of educational processes, the ambassador expressed her interest in hearing the ideas and suggestions of both students and faculty members.

In his speech, Ruben Melkonyan, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, said, "We are delighted to welcome you to YSU, the largest and most sought-after center for Arabic studies in the country. 'Arabic Studies' has been taught in Armenia and at YSU for decades. The Chair of Arabic Studies at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, where not only the language but also the history and culture of Egypt are taught, plays a unique and important role. It is worth noting that one of the faculty's oldest auditoriums bears the name of Egypt. It was the first auditorium to be named after a friendly country."

According to the dean, the Chair of Arabic Studies will continue to work in the future for the benefit of students and in the interest of further strengthening Armenia-Egypt friendship and relations. In the context of deepening cooperation, Ruben Melkonyan also joyfully highlighted the special attention given to the Armenian language and Armenian studies in Egypt.

Dean Ruben Melkonyan invited Ambassador Amal Afifi to deliver a lecture in Arabic for the students of the Chair of Arabic Studies. Graciously accepting the invitation, the ambassador expressed her readiness to present the history of Armenia-Egypt relations.