Prof Dr. Hnijal, the SU President visited Austria to participate in the workshops of the Afro-Austrian Relations Network represented by the Austrian Education Authority, “where the Suez University is a founding member”. He visited the University of Cairns "Universität für Weiterbildung Krems", Austria, accompanied by Prof Dr. Sherif Fahmy, acting SU Vice-President for Postgraduate Studies; to strengthen academic and research cooperation between Suez University and the Austrian University. The visit witnessed a series of intensive discussions to review both universities' educational and research activities and explore ways of cooperating.

The visit comes under the guidance of Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian president, to be open to various international universities, to keep pace with the progress and development of these universities, to make the academic programs of Egyptian universities at the same level of progress to keep pace with all aspects of development.

The SU President also explained that the National Strategy for Higher Education launched by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has 7 themes, including the international reference hub, which seeks to become an international institution of higher education to achieve the ease of cross-border movement of Egyptian students to make the most of learning about scientific developments at universities abroad.

The visit began with the president of the University of Krems and the University Vice-president for Postgraduate Studies and International Relations, Mr. Friedrich Fowlhammer, and several members of the University's teaching staff who received the SU President and the SU Vice-President. A comprehensive presentation was shown on Krems University's academic and research programs, which focus on continuing education and applied research aimed at achieving sustainable development.

For his part, the SU President and SU Vice President presented the University's vision and achievements in various academic and research fields, noting the excellence achieved by Suez University in many international classifications.

Hnijal stated that discussions between the two parties addressed ways to enhance academic cooperation between the two universities, focusing on academic and research exchange programs. A preliminary agreement was reached on the initiation of the Erasmus scholarships, which will allow the exchange of teaching staff members and postgraduate students between the two universities. This program aims to enhance participants' academic and cultural experiences and develop their research and educational skills.

He also explained that he had discussed the possibility of implementing joint research projects in areas of common interest, such as water purification, marine environment, biotechnology, renewable energy, and business management. It was agreed that joint task teams would be formed to identify priorities and develop detailed work plans to ensure the projects' success.

At the end of the visit, the two sides expressed great optimism over the understandings and agreements reached, stressing that this step will greatly contribute to strengthening academic and research cooperation between the two universities. It was agreed to maintain communication and coordination between the task teams on both parties to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the agreed programs and projects.

In addition, the University of Vienna was visited where the laboratories were reviewed and cooperation methods for academic programs and research projects have been explored as part of the University's efforts to strengthen its international relations and expand its network of academic and research cooperation with leading international institutions that is reflected positively on the level of education and scientific research, and open up new prospects for its students and teaching staff.