Arab American University and the Palestinian International Cooperation Agency (PICA) sign a cooperation agreement that serves both parties. The agreement contributes in improving the Palestinian staff in the Palestinian universities and in improving the developmental skills in PICA by benefitting from professional experts in universities. This agreement comes as part of the educational programs and expert mobility.
Prof. Ali Zeidan Abu Zuhri- AAUP President and Mr. Imad AlZuhari- the General Manager for PICA signed the agreement with the presence of Prof. Waleed Deeb- the Academic Advisor of the Board of Directors and the Founding President, Dr. Dalal Iriqat- VP for International Relations and a delegation from PICA.
During the Signing ceremony, Prof. Abu Zuhri said: “Developmental programs between PICA and educational institutions will start to be implemented next year in some of the African countries, and this encourages AAUP to participate to highlight the Palestinian identity in the international arena.” Prof. Abu Zuhri also explained the importance of cooperation in development fields as it will help in achieving the international development goals 2030 and the national related goals especially that this program will benefit Africa and Latin America.
Furthermore, Prof. Ali Zeidan Abu Zuhri considered this agreement to reflect AAUP philosophy that focuses on building partnerships and enhancing cooperation with national and international institutions. He considered this agreement to be a practical translation to building a foundation for the university to transfer its knowledge and expert to other countries, and this is a sign that Palestine has competencies. This agreement will also enhances students skills and knowledge and their seek to practical implementation of what they learn.
Prof. Abu Zuhri asserted that AAUP is ready for joint collaboration with the projects and initiatives that will start next year with the agency, considering the importance of those projects in supporting the vision of AAUP. He also clarified that AAUP always takes into consideration the local community and the possible ways to benefit it through cooperation, joint collaborations and mobility with other universities or center in the Arab countries.