Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Palestine Polytechnic University has signed a protocol aiming to strengthen collaboration in academic, scientific and institutional fields. The said protocol was signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Palestine Polytechnic University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abu Alsafa during a signing session held at EMU Rector’s Office building.
Present during the signing session were, Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Institutional Development and International Academic Affairs Office Coordinator Assist. Prof. Dr. Cahit Ezel, Foreign Relations Advisor Assist. Prof. Dr. Tayseer Al Shanableh as well as Palestine Polytechnic University delegation consisting of Board of Trustees Chairperson Ahmad Altamimi, Vice Rector Dr. Ayman Sultan, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nour Qawasmeh and Dean of Administrative Sciences and Informatics Faculty Prof. Dr. Husam Rjoub.
Within the scope of the signed protocol, the two universities will work together on academic staff and student exchange, joint research initiatives, mutual participation in scientific events, the exchange of expertise in education and research, and the development of joint degree programs. In addition, both institutions seek to advance projects in areas of mutual interest and enhance international academic collaboration.
“An Important First Step”
During his address at the signing ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç referred to the developments taking place in Palestine and Gaza, highlighting messages of solidarity and fraternity. In line with EMU’s internationalization strategies, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the university has established various models of academic cooperation in numerous countries. He emphasized that EMU, which has built strong ties with Palestine over the years, aims to further deepen and strengthen this collaboration. Stressing that the signed protocol constitutes an important first step toward a sustainable and efficient partnership between the two universities, Prof. Dr. Kılıç also noted that EMU was founded in 1979 and has since evolved into a comprehensive and international higher education institution. He added that EMU currently hosts students from 110 different countries, with a student population of nearly 16,000 and a global alumni network exceeding 79,000 graduates.
“Beginning of a Long-Term Partnership”
Speaking during the ceremony, Palestine Polytechnic University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abu Alsafa expressed his belief that cooperation between the two universities will grow on the foundations of brotherhood and mutual solidarity. Explaining that Palestine Polytechnic University was established in 1978 as a small technical college and gained full university status in 1999, Prof. Dr. Abu Alsafa noted that today the university stands as a leading institution in the field of technical and applied education in Palestine, with 12 faculties, a student body exceeding 11,000, and nearly 170 academic and professional programs. Emphasizing the university’s wide academic spectrum, which includes engineering, information technologies, health sciences, medicine, dentistry, and administrative sciences, Prof. Dr. Abu Alsafa stated that, in line with the entrepreneurial university model, a substantial portion of the curriculum has been designed around hands-on, practice-based education. He also highlighted the development of strong collaborations with the private sector. Despite the current economic challenges, Prof. Dr. Abu Alsafa underlined that the university continues to advance its efforts in research and community service. Concluding his remarks, he expressed his hope that the signed protocol would serve as the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two universities, delivering meaningful academic, scientific, and societal contributions.
