On invitation from the Executive Director of COMSATS, Dr. S. M. Junaid Zaidi, the Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, visited COMSATS Secretariat, on July 21, 2020. The Ambassador, who has recently assumed charge of the Embassy, was accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Said Ibrahim, Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) at the Embassy.

During the meeting, the Honourable Ambassador was given a briefing on COMSATS’ operations aimed at socio-economic development in the Global South through scientific tools and mechanisms. Towards this end, it was informed, COMSATS has established international linkages and launched programmes and projects in areas of health, education, internet services, climate change and sustainability which are in line with the United Nations 2030 Global Agenda.

It was also informed that Egypt, one of the founding member states of COMATS, has participated and benefitted from various scientific programmes of COMSATS, including capacity-building events, scholarships, and scholarly exchanges.

During the discussions, Dr. Zaidi proposed the establishment of COMSATS University in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) of Egypt as well as extended offer of assistance for formulation of Egypt’s technology policy. Ambassador (R) Fauzia Nasreen, Advisor (SDGs) at COMSATS, suggested that a virtual cell to discuss and brainstorm ideas for the formulation of STI policies post-COVID19 may be formed jointly by the Ministries of S&T of Pakistan (COMSATS Focal Point) and Egypt.

The Ambassador was receptive of various proposals discussed during the meeting and expressed interest in enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Egypt in cyber security, STI, education through COMSATS.

The meeting was successful in reinvigorating partnership between COMSATS and Egypt in areas of mutual interest to help promote innovative approaches and technology-based solutions for overcoming global challenges and achieving sustainable socio-economic development in the region at large.