Éric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Egypt, and several Egyptian university presidents attended the signing. 

The agreement guarantees granting dual degrees in 15 scientific disciplines and 100 PhD scholarships.

It aims to achieve several objectives, including launching initiatives to enhance Egyptian-French academic and research cooperation, implementing joint student exchange programs, and directing new programs to serve sustainable development, in line with the presidential initiative "Alliance and Development."

Additionally, the agreement aims to address the needs of the Egyptian labour market and enhance French language teaching in Egypt.

Key attendees included David Sadoulé, Cultural Cooperation Adviser and Director of the French Institute; Denis Darby, President of the French University in Egypt; Sherif Saleh, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; and Shahenda Ezzat, Egyptian Cultural Counselor in France (who participated remotely via the internet).

Other prominent figures attending the signing included, among others, Ambassador Omar Selim, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Cultural Relations; Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education; and Mustafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities.

In his speech, Ayman Ashour emphasized the deep historical ties between Egypt and France in higher education and scientific research.

He highlighted Egypt's commitment to fostering cultural and scientific cooperation with France by introducing new programs and specializations required by the labour market.

"This agreement is the first of its kind to implement the presidential initiative 'Alliance and Development,'" stated Ashour.

He underscored the importance of this initiative in achieving developmental leaps across different geographical regions in Egypt and enhancing scientific and research cooperation between Egyptian universities, the industrial and business community, and production institutions.

The initiative also supports regional alliances to build comprehensive development as part of Egypt's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Moreover, Ashour highlighted the significance of international programs in universities and their connection to the labour market, noting that technological education is the main area currently being developed.

The agreement, he noted, reflects Egypt's keen interest in strengthening international partnerships between Egyptian and French universities and enhancing academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Eric Chevallier, the French Ambassador to Cairo, praised the efficiency and excellence of the Egyptian educational system and the high level of Egyptian students and researchers. Furthermore, Chevallier highlighted that per the agreement, France will grant 100 young Egyptian researchers PhD scholarships to study in France between 2025 and 2028.

He also highlighted Egypt's vital role in the region as a gateway for transferring knowledge and culture.

David Sadoulé, Director of the French Institute, affirmed France's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt, noting that this agreement expands collaboration and exchange of expertise and allows for establishing projects focusing on sectors that serve Egypt's development and meet the needs of Egyptian society.

On the other hand, Sherif Saleh expressed his happiness for signing such a historic agreement, noting that it represents an important step towards enhancing academic cooperation between Egypt and France and opening new horizons for exchanging knowledge and expertise between Egyptian and French students and researchers.

According to the agreement, the Egyptian and French sides will cooperate in preparing for the first Egyptian-French conference, expected in early 2025.

The agreement will also achieve several other objectives, including supporting existing agreements, organizing joint forums, and forming a coordinating committee to support and facilitate communication between both parties.

As part of the agreement, France will establish an incentive fund worth 300,000 euros to support innovative projects.