The Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Bildt, visited the University today and met Mr. Salah Al Masri, Chair of the University's board of trustees, President Rami Hamdallah, and other University's senior officials.  The Swedish delegation included representatives from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem.

At the meeting, Prof. Hamdallah outlined the University's mission to achieve a "world class" education system where Palestinian young people from every background can prosper.   He confirmed the importance that An-Najah gives to the higher education and stressed the intention to continue to contribute in an adequate manner to develop higher education in Palestine.

Prof. Hamdallah said that the meeting with Mr. Bildt has been a great opportunity to highlight the distinctive nature of An-Najah and the importance the University places on providing the best possible educational services to Palestinian students and the broader Palestinian community.

"It has been a huge honor for the University to host this important visit by the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs," Prof. Hamdallah noted.

Mr. Bildt said, "I am very pleased to have the chance to see at first hand the innovative work that is being carried out at An-Najah National University.   Higher education is vital for a thriving economy and peace in the Middle East."   The Swedish Minister especially commended the University's record on higher education in the Palestinian Territories as well as its pioneering initiatives to encourage young Palestinian people to enter and succeed in higher education.