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As part of the visit of Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, to Egypt, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, welcomed Prof. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia, at Zafaran Palace, Ain Shams University. The meeting was attended by Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Mr. Aleš Selan, Consul of Slovenia in Egypt, and several academic leaders and representatives of the Slovenian delegation.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa welcomed the Slovenian guest and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing that Ain Shams University is one of Egypt's leading academic institutions, distinguished by its long-standing academic history and significant contributions to education, scientific research, and community service.

The Minister reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening its international relations, engaging with scientific and cultural institutions worldwide, and expanding academic, research, and cultural cooperation between Egyptian universities and their international counterparts. He noted that the visit represents an important opportunity to deepen Egyptian Slovenian relations, exchange expertise, knowledge, and academic experiences, and build bridges of communication between young people and researchers in both countries.

Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa highlighted the promising opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Egypt and Slovenia in higher education, scientific research, and technology. He emphasized that Egypt is making rapid progress toward internationalizing its higher education system and consolidating its position as a regional hub for education and scientific research in the Arab region, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Minister also stressed the importance of building on existing bilateral cooperation, capitalizing on the geographical and economic advantages of both countries, and expanding academic, technological, and development partnerships to achieve mutual interests and support sustainable development efforts, particularly across Africa and the Arab region.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, expressed his great pleasure in welcoming Prof. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia, to Ain Shams University. He emphasized that the visit reflects the University's distinguished academic and cultural standing and its growing role as one of Egypt's leading academic institutions in building bridges of cooperation and communication with the international community.

The University President noted that hosting the visit at Zafaran Palace carries special significance, as the palace is one of Egypt's most prominent historical and architectural landmarks. It symbolizes the convergence of heritage and modernity, history and science, and culture and education. He added that the University takes pride in this cultural heritage, which forms an integral part of its institutional identity and reflects its deep connection to Egypt's history and civilization.

Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen emphasized that Ain Shams University's strategic vision is founded on the firm belief that a modern university is no longer merely an institution for education and awarding academic degrees but has become an active partner in building bridges of understanding between peoples. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to expanding partnerships with international universities and research institutions, developing joint academic and research programs, and broadening opportunities for academic and cultural cooperation, particularly in interdisciplinary studies, scientific research, technology, innovation, and cultural heritage preservation.

During the visit, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, Prof. Aleš Musar, and the accompanying delegation toured Zafaran Palace, where they learned about its history, distinctive architectural style, and historical and cultural significance.

Prof. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia, expressed his delight at visiting Ain Shams University and praised the architectural and historical character of Zafaran Palace, describing it as an outstanding example of cultural interaction between Egypt and Europe. He emphasized that preserving historical buildings and repurposing them for educational and cultural purposes represents an important cultural and humanitarian value.

The Slovenian guest noted that the university environment, with its architectural, cultural, and historical elements, plays an influential role in shaping students' awareness and understanding and strengthening their connection to their national identity and cultural heritage. He stressed the importance of utilizing cultural heritage to support education and deepen communication between generations.

He also praised the historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Slovenia, rooted in their shared connection to the Mediterranean region. He emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen academic, research, and cultural cooperation and exchanging experiences between young people and educational institutions in both countries, thereby opening new horizons for joint collaboration.

As part of Ain Shams University's commitment to promoting direct engagement between its students and international figures, the visit featured an open dialogue session bringing together the Minister of Higher Education, the University President, the Slovenian guest, and a group of university students.

The session addressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage and its role in safeguarding national identity and promoting cultural awareness, particularly amid rapid technological developments and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence applications.

Students also discussed with the Slovenian guest the challenges associated with restoring historical sites representing multiple layers of civilization, as well as ways to transform museums and heritage sites into vibrant, interactive cultural and educational spaces while preserving their historical value and strengthening their relevance to contemporary life.

The discussions also explored the importance of expanding cultural and academic exchange opportunities between Egyptian and Slovenian youth and encouraging direct dialogue between different cultures as a key means of promoting mutual understanding and bringing peoples closer together.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Minister of Higher Education, the President of Ain Shams University, the Slovenian guest, and the accompanying delegation toured the Ain Shams University Museum, located on the University's main campus. They viewed its collection of 167 archaeological artifacts representing various historical periods, from ancient Egyptian times to the modern era, alongside a collection of artifacts discovered by the University's archaeological mission in the Arab El-Hisn area.

The museum is the first educational museum established within a historic palace at an Egyptian university. It embodies Ain Shams University's vision of utilizing its historical and cultural heritage to serve education and scientific research and promote cultural and archaeological awareness among students.

The meeting was attended on behalf of Ain Shams University by Dr. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Collaboration Sector; Dr. Hossam Tantawy, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology; Dr. Ahmed El-Shouki, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology for Postgraduate Studies and Research; and several academic leaders, alongside representatives of the Slovenian Embassy in Cairo.

It is worth noting that the visit of Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, to Egypt, accompanied by a delegation of Slovenian business leaders, comes as part of efforts to support bilateral relations between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in the economic, commercial, cultural, and tourism sectors, and open new opportunities for partnership and communication at various levels.