His Excellency Mr. Jan Figel, the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth visited An-Najah National University today to strengthen the linkages of cooperation and promote cooperative projects between academic and research institutions in the European Union and Palestine.

Mr. Figel was accompanied by HE Mr. John Kjaer, the European Commission Representative for the Palestinian National Authority, Ms. Eva Wenigova, Member of the Cabinet of the European Commission, Mr. Klaus Bodo Richter, Coordinator and Program Manager at Directorate General for Education and Culture at the European Commission, and Ms. Judith Johannes, Cultural Attaché at the European Commission Technical Assistance Office in Jerusalem.

President Rami Hamdallah received the Commissioner and provided him with a brief history of the University and the University’s several undergraduate and graduate academic programs as well as on the on-campus facilities. President Hamdallah also praised the ongoing and potential partnerships between European and Palestinian academic institutions as part of the creation and promotion of a culture of peace, dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Mr. Figel said that Europe has a strong interest in promoting academic collaboration with the Palestinian academic institutions. He noted that in the last year up to 170 students from the Palestinian universities visited European universities and took part in Erasmus Mundus programs. The European Union economically has backed the Palestinian areas for several years, said Mr. Figel, affirming the EU commitment to continue support of the Palestinian people, in particular the higher education sector.

At the meeting, Dr. Maher Natsheh, vice president for academic affairs, briefed Mr. Figel on the University's quality assurance programs and activities. Dean of the Faculty of Optometry, outlined An-Najah's vision to achieve a "world class" education system where Palestinian young people from every background can prosper.

Dr. Imad Break, Director of An-Najah's Energy Research Center, spoke briefly about the Center's partnerships with European academic institutions in the fields of energy through the Tempus program funded by the European Commission. Dr. Nabil Alawi, Director of the Public Relations Department, spoke about An-Najah's participation in Erasmus Mundus projects.

President Hamdallah and Mr. Figel also discussed potential international exchange programs and cooperation between An-Najah and European universities. President Hamdallah said that An-Najah is honored to receive a visit from such a distinguished member of the European Commission. And in a visit to the University's Energy Research Center, Mr. Figel heard an explanation of the Center's activities and programs.

"Education unites and builds bridges of peace and dialogue between cultures and nations,” Mr. Figel spoke at a press conference at the University. He called on to gather knowledge and education that allows to promote the values of peace, dialogue, understanding, integration, and cooperation. Mr. Figel announced a grant of 3 million euros to support Tempus Program in the Palestinian Territories in 2009.

Mr. Figel and President Hamdallah toured some of the University’s facilities and new buildings in the New Campus in Juneed area. Mr. Figel expressed his admiration of what have been achieved and the level of education and infrastructure offered by An-Najah in years since its inception in 1977.