Al-Quds University welcomed the French Consul General in Jerusalem, Mr. Nicolas Kassianides, in an official meeting aimed at strengthening academic and research cooperation between the university and French educational institutions. The meeting was attended by the University’s President, Prof. Dr. Hanna Abdel Nour; Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishk; the Executive Vice President of the Jerusalem Campus, Prof. Dr. Imad Al-Khatib; the Dean of Admissions and Registration, Dr. Ghassan Al-Deek; and the Director of the Jerusalem Center for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Radwan Qasrawi.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Hanna Abdel Nour welcomed the French Consul, praising the historical ties between Al-Quds University and French academic institutions and emphasizing the importance of French support, which has contributed to the implementation of several academic and research projects and programs at the university, thereby strengthening its educational journey and institutional development.

Prof. Dr. Abdel Nour also touched on the upcoming opening of the Hammad Al-Harazin College of Technology at the university’s main campus, with generous support from the Palestinian national businessman Mr. Hammad Al-Harazin. He explained that the agreements for commencing construction works were signed in London, emphasizing the university’s focus on technology and applied education as two fundamental pillars for keeping pace with scientific advancement and enhancing students’ capabilities in innovation and digital transformation.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishk spoke about the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and productivity, noting that it begins with education, continues through research and development, and culminates in innovation. He emphasized the pivotal role Al-Quds University plays in promoting this culture by supporting scientific research and encouraging creativity, thereby contributing to community service and achieving sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Abu Kishk also outlined the founding of Al-Quds University and its history full of achievements, as well as the qualitative development of its academic programs and modern disciplines that meet the needs of the labor market. He highlighted student life across the university’s various campuses, emphasizing the supportive learning environment, activities, and services that contribute to the development of students’ skills and the shaping of their academic and practical abilities, both locally and internationally.

In turn, the French Consul expressed his appreciation for the standing of Al-Quds University and its academic and research role, emphasizing France’s ongoing support for higher education in Palestine and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the university in the fields of scientific research, academic program development, and capacity building, in alignment with humanitarian and human rights values.

At the end of the visit, the French Consul met with several vice presidents, deans, and faculty members of the university, where they discussed academic programs, ways to develop them, and prospects for enhancing joint cooperation to serve the educational and research process.