The Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry announced the start of negotiations between Egypt and the EU on forging strategic partnership in the research and innovation domains. The move comes as part of Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour's directives to enhance international partnerships in the scientific research and innovation in a way that enhances Egypt's position at the international arena. Within this framework, the ministry received Deputy director of the general administration for research and innovation at the European commission Signe Ratso and head of cooperation at the EU delegation Sophie Vanhaeverbeke. The meeting is the first official round of negotiations to mull Egypt's accession into Horizon Europe program as a partner state, according to a statement by the ministry. Horizon Europe Program is a seven-year European Union scientific research initiative, successor of the Horizon 2020 program and the earlier Framework Programs for Research and Technological Development The E gyptian-EU partnership will help hone Egypt's skills in the research and innovation domains in a way that benefits national economy and boosts strategic goals of sustainable development. The official start of negotiations will play a pivotal role in enhancing development of human capital, the statement said. Source: State Information Service Egypt