Mansoura University Signs Initial Cooperation Protocol with Al-Mustaqbal University in Iraq to Strengthen Academic and Research Partnership

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, received Prof. Hassan Shaker Magdy, President of Iraq's Al-Mustaqbal University, and his accompanying delegation on August 27, 2025, to sign an initial cooperation protocol between the two parties. The protocol aims to host a number of graduate programs offered by Mansoura University at the Al-Mustaqbal University headquarters in Babil Governorate, Iraq. The goal is to support efforts to promote science and technology, benefit from Mansoura University's scientific and research expertise, and develop various fields of science to achieve the shared goals of both parties in serving scientific research and advancing higher education.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research. Al-Mustaqbal University delegation included Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Hassan, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision; Dr. Ammar Al-Husseini, Dean of the Faculty of Law; Dr. Saad Al-Alam, Director of the Measurement and Evaluation Unit; and Dr. Iman Abdel Aziz, Division of Sustainable Development.

Prof. Cherif Khater welcomed the President of Al-Mustaqbal University and the Iraqi delegation, expressing his pleasure with the continued communication between the two universities and emphasizing Mansoura University's keenness to enhance academic and research cooperation with Future University. He also praised Al-Mustaqbal University for its academic and research leadership at the local and international levels, appreciating its efforts to develop the higher education system in Iraq and build bridges of scientific cooperation between the two sides. He explained that the signing of the preliminary protocol comes within the framework of implementing the directives of the political leadership, in light of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Egypt's Vision 2030, and expanding international partnerships to enhance Egypt's position as a regional center for education and scientific research. The President of Mansoura University pointed out that Egyptian-Iraqi relations are characterized by deep historical ties and strong humanitarian and cultural ties, which form a solid foundation for any academic or scientific cooperation between their educational institutions.

He also explained that the initial protocol with Al-Mustaqbal University represents a practical step toward strengthening existing avenues of mutual cooperation between the two sides, through the exchange of academic and research expertise and the development of educational programs to serve their aspirations. He noted that the prospects for future cooperation between the two universities are witnessing remarkable development.

Prof. Hassan Shaker expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Prof. Cherif Khater and Mansoura University for the warm welcome and hospitality, emphasizing that the protocol represents an important step toward building solid academic relations with the prestigious Mansoura University. He also congratulated the university on its achievement in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking, achieving third place locally and in the 601-700 category globally, and presented the President of Mansoura University with a certificate of appreciation on this occasion. He added that Al-Mustaqbal University is one of the leading universities in Iraq, owing to its distinguished academic reputation, pioneering approach to providing modern educational and research programs, and active membership in a number of regional and international academic federations and organizations. He noted that it continuously strives to develop the higher education environment in Iraq and enhance its position as a distinguished academic institution both locally and internationally.

Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq said that cooperation with Mansoura University opens up broad horizons in the fields of education and scientific research, noting that the Iraqi university seeks to benefit from the distinguished academic expertise of Mansoura University.

Prof. Muhammad Attia Al-Bayoumi noted that Iraqi students are a model of seriousness and diligence, and that the university always welcomes them into its academic programs.

Prof. Muhammad Abdul-Azim said that cooperation with Al-Mustaqbal University is not limited to the academic aspect alone, but can extend to include multiple fields, contributing to achieving sustainable development in both countries.

Prof. Tarek Ghalwash said that this protocol represents a practical step toward activating research cooperation between the two sides. He added that the partnership with Future University will contribute to developing joint programs, encouraging applied research, and opening new areas of scientific cooperation between faculty members and researchers from both universities. The meeting featured a documentary film about the experience of Iraqi Al-Mustaqbal University students during their hosting of a short training program at Mansoura University last week. This was followed by the signing of the preliminary cooperation protocol and the exchange of commemorative shields. Prof. Cherif Khater presented Mansoura University’s shield to Prof. Hassan Shaker, Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq, and Dr. Ammar Al-Husseini, while Prof. Hassan Shaker Magdy presented Al- Mustaqbal University’s shield to the President of Mansoura University and the deputies. He also honored the attending staff from the University President's Office in appreciation of their efforts in making the visit a success.