Prof. Natsheh welcomed Mr. Carvalho, expressing his thanks for the Portuguese guest's interest in developing academic relations with An-Najah University and supporting it. He briefed him on the history and development of the University: the academic curricula, University campuses, University Hospital and its role in providing students and the Palestinian community with top quality medical services, and the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Institute at An-Najah.

Prof. Natsheh further stressed the importance of education and learning for the Palestinian people. He talked about the obstacles facing the development of higher education in Palestine, particularly in regards to finances.

He spoke of An-Najah’s status and of its contribution to Palestinian, Arab and international academia, as backed by assessments conducted by international centres.

Prof. Natsheh also welcomed developing more relations with Portuguese Universities, upgrading academic and research exchanges, as well as student exchanges; and talked about An-Najah’s interest in having native speakers of Portuguese teach the language at An-Najah.

In turn, Mr. Carvalho stressed the importance of academic cooperation between Palestine and Portugal, as well as the Portuguese role in offering aid to the Palestinian people. He added that Portugal is aspiring to build further relations with Palestine.

He thanked An-Najah for welcoming him and for the hospitability in which he was received. He also stressed the importance of mutual cooperation with An-Najah. He stated that his country is always keen on providing support for Palestinians especially in the field of information technology, optometry and languages.

During his visit to An-Najah, the Portuguese guest was given a tour of An-Najah’s New Campus where he visited the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Media Centre, including its various sections, such as TV and radio studios, as well as the different units that make up the centre.

The guest expressed his admiration at the level of development that An-Najah University has achieved over the last years which is evident in the advanced services found in many of its facilities, such as the new Media Center and others.

 Notes:

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Khaled Mufleh, Acting Director of the Public Relations Department at An-Najah, Miss. Aya Jabri from the International Office and Mrs. Noor Hashayka from the PR Department.