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As part of Ain Shams University's commitment to strengthening its international relations and expanding opportunities for cultural and literary cooperation, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, welcomed H.E. Olivia Toderean, Ambassador of Romania to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Romanian writer and novelist Bogdan-Alexandru Stănescu, ahead of a literary seminar organized by the University for the Romanian novelist in cooperation with the Romanian Embassy in Cairo and the Romanian Cultural Institute, in coordination with the University's Faculty of Arts.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Collaboration.

During the meeting, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen welcomed the Romanian Ambassador and novelist, emphasizing the University's commitment to strengthening its international relations and expanding cultural and academic cooperation with European institutions and universities. He highlighted the pivotal role of literature and the arts in building bridges of communication between peoples, enriching human awareness, and providing students and researchers with opportunities to explore diverse cultural and literary experiences. He also expressed his appreciation for the fruitful cooperation with the Romanian Embassy in Cairo and the Romanian Cultural Institute.

For her part, Ambassador Olivia Toderean expressed her appreciation for Ain Shams University and her pride in cooperating with it, praising its academic and cultural role and its openness to international experiences. She emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and literary exchange between Egypt and Romania and providing opportunities to explore contemporary Romanian literature and engage with its prominent writers and creative figures.

Prof. Rami Maher Ghali emphasized that Ain Shams University has placed strategic importance on advancing social sciences, arts, and humanities in recent years. He noted that hosting such distinguished events reflects the University's continued commitment to enriching intellectual and cultural life and consolidating its position as a beacon of knowledge and creativity and a platform for civilizational and cultural dialogue.

He explained that since its establishment in 1950, the Faculty of Arts has remained a beacon of knowledge and learning, establishing a longstanding tradition of linguistic and cultural diversity through its departments of Arabic, English, and French languages, as well as the study of ancient European civilizations. He added that the faculty was the first among Egyptian universities to establish an independent Department of Oriental Languages, continuing its role as a bridge between cultures through the power of language and its contribution to bringing peoples closer together.

He pointed out that this cultural meeting embodies the value of dialogue and knowledge exchange between Egypt and Romania and opens new horizons for fruitful cooperation between the two countries in literature, translation, and publishing.

Following the meeting, Prof. Rami Maher Ghali accompanied the Romanian Ambassador and her accompanying delegation on a tour of the Zafaran Museum to explore its historical collections, which reflect aspects of the University's rich heritage and history. They were welcomed by Dr. Walaa El-Din Badawi, Director of the Zafaran Museum.

The Vice President for Education and Student Affairs and the Romanian Ambassador also attended the literary seminar, held at the New Lecture Hall of the Faculty of Law, in the presence of Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Prof. Yassin El-Shazly, Dean of the Faculty of Law; Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Collaboration; and a number of faculty staff and postgraduate students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in English Language, Literature, and Specialized Translation, alongside individuals interested in world literature.

The seminar was moderated by Prof. Maha Ammara, Head of the English Department at the Faculty of Arts and featured engaging discussions with the Romanian novelist. The discussions covered a variety of topics, including direct questions, his literary experience, and his perspective on the art of novels in the modern era. Translations of selected passages from his novels were also presented, allowing attendees to gain deeper insight into his creative journey and distinctive literary style.

The discussions explored the development of Romanian literature considering the political, social, and cultural transformations Romania has experienced over the past three decades, as well as the major challenges facing contemporary novel writing. Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions and exchange perspectives and ideas on literature, creativity, and translation.

The seminar was held as part of the "Literary Residencies in Cairo" program, which aims to strengthen cultural and academic cooperation between Egypt and Romania in literature and publishing and open new opportunities for communication and the exchange of expertise among writers, researchers, and literature enthusiasts in both countries.