During a visit he made to An-Najah University, Mr. Maen Erekat, Palestine’s Ambassador in Washington-USA, stated that An-Najah has made substantial steps on its way to international recognition and global competition with the world’s leading universities as a result of the huge scale of development the University has achieved in the different fields.

Prof. Rami Hamdallah, President of An-Najah, received Mr. Erekat in his office at the Old Campus where he welcomed the guest and appreciated his visit. Prof. Hamdallah praised the important role that Mr. Maen and the Palestinian Representation is carrying out in Washington to support the Palestinian cause and convey the Palestinian people’s message to the world, in addition to the strengthening of cooperation ties between Palestinian and American institutions especially in the academic field.

Attendees to the meeting included Prof. Maher Abu Eid, Vice President for Academic Affairs at An-Najah, President Assistant for Strategic and International Affairs, Dr. Sam Alfoqahaa, Director of the Public Relations Department, Dr. Sami Al-Kilani, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Professor Marwan Haddad, Director of the Water and Environmental Studies Institute, Dr. Sami Jaber, Dean of Scientific Research, and Dr. Khaled Eleiwi, Director of the Scholarships Office at An-Najah.

Prof. Hamdallah also presented a summary about An-Najah since its establishment to date, its academic programs, and its major role in supporting the local society with a wide range of services through its various scientific centers. Moreover, he spoke about the new Teaching Hospital project which is currently under construction and which would represent a major contribution to the medical sector in Palestine.

In the same context, Prof. Hamdallah received Dr. James O'Brien, Vice President of Arizona State University (ASU) in the USA, Dr. Mari Koerner, Dean of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU, Dr. Steve Vinson, Vice President for International Affairs at ASU, Dr. Anshuman Razdan, Dean of Scientific Research at ASU, Joshua Hoyt, Student Body President at ASU, in addition to Mr. John Sakakini and Ilham Al-Khatib from the Palestinian Representation in Washington which arranged the visit as part of its continuous effort to reinforce cooperation between Palestinian and American universities.

During the meeting with the American delegation, Prof. Hamdallah emphasized the academic cooperation between An-Najah and ASU and added that An-Najah seeks to make agreements with the world’s top universities on the basis of which students and employees are sent to pursue their higher education in the different study fields that the University needs.

He also spoke about the different ranks the University holds on the local, regional and international levels. A documentary was screened which summarized the University’s development and achievements.

Mr. O'Brien expressed hope that cooperation relationships would be established between ASU and An-Najah on a regular basis, and thanked Prof. Hamdallah for the hospitality and cooperation.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Theater at the New Campus, in addition to the Media Center where Mr. Ayman Al-Nimer, the Center’s Director, familiarized the guests with the Center, its future plans, facilities and the social role it plays through its dedicated units.

Moreover, the delegation visited the Faculty of Physical Education where they were introduced to the various facilities that include the indoor playgrounds and the different equipment that are available there. Dr. Waleed Khanfar, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education, explained the role that the Faculty plays in supporting the sport sector in Palestine through providing the necessary equipment and facilities for the students where they can train and learn.

Other destinations included the Museum at the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Korean Palestinian IT Institute of Excellence where its Director, Engineer Khaled Barham, presented a description about the Institute and familiarized the guests with its work and the different labs that offer various services to the students and the people.

Additionally, the delegation visited the Water and Environmental Studies Institute at An-Najah where its Director, Professor Marwan Haddad, described the programs and projects that the Institute implements in the field of water in Palestine.

At the end of the visit Prof. Hamdallah presented the delegation members with souvenirs in appreciation of their honorable visit to An-Najah.

An-Najah and ASU has already signed a cooperation agreement in October 2011 that aimed to establish cooperation ties that address common issues and interests, as well as exploring the development of scientific research programs and projects in different fields of study.