Under the auspices of Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, and as part of the summer school program organized by Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Mr. Lu Chuncheng, Educational Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cairo, received Prof. Karim El-Dash, Vice President for International Relations at Benha National University, accompanied by a student delegation from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
The meeting explored avenues to enhance academic and cultural cooperation between Benha National University and Chinese universities. Prof. Karim El-Dash highlighted the university’s efforts to build strategic partnerships with Chinese higher education institutions through signing agreements and activating academic and student exchange programs, which strengthen bilateral relations.
Prof. Tamer Samir emphasized that hosting such international programs reflects the university’s global outlook and commitment to cultural exchange, preparing students to engage with diverse cultures. He noted Benha National University’s focus on advancing cooperation with Chinese universities in medical education and research training, aligning with Egypt’s strategy to bolster Sino-Egyptian relations and internationalize higher education.
Prof. Karim El-Dash added that the university is actively building bridges with leading global institutions, particularly Chinese universities, amid the remarkable development of Egypt-China relations. He praised the Chinese Embassy’s support for these initiatives and its role in fostering people-to-people ties through education.
Mr. Lu Chuncheng commended Benha National University’s pivotal role in advancing cooperation with Chinese universities and reaffirmed the embassy’s full support for joint educational and cultural initiatives. He stressed the importance of student exchange programs in strengthening civilizational and cultural bonds between Egypt and China.
During the visit, Mr. Lu met with the Chinese students participating in the program, expressing his delight at their visit to Egypt. He highlighted the golden era of Egypt-China relations under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President Xi Jinping. Students shared their impressions of the trip, praising the warm reception, high-quality medical training (including clinical skill labs), and field visits to Benha University hospitals.
The students also expressed admiration for the cultural program, which included visits to iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Civilization Museum, and Old Cairo. They highlighted their enjoyment of joint activities with Egyptian peers and the hospitality they experienced since arrival.
Concluding the visit, the head of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine’s student union (a delegation member) shared their excitement about exploring Alexandria and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as the fifth stop in their Egypt tour. He noted that students are actively sharing their experiences on social media, encouraging peers to visit Egypt for its cultural richness and exceptional hospitality.