Head of Representative Office of Republic of Malta to Palestine visits Birzeit University, discusses enhancing academic collaboration

Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Malta to Palestine, Mr. Franklin Aquilina, visited Birzeit University and met with Dr. Beshara Doumani, president of Birzeit University; Dr. Ghassan Khatib, vice president for advancement; and Dr. Amir Khalil, director of the External Academic Relations Office.

The two parties discussed enhancing academic collaboration between Birzeit and Maltese universities. Dr. Doumani informed Mr. Aquilina of the latest academic and community updates and emphasized Birzeit University’s interest in strengthening relations with international universities, particularly in research, student exchange and green campus initiatives. He also addressed Israeli violations against Birzeit University and Palestinian universities in general.

Mr. Aquilina stressed the significance of collaborating with Palestinian universities, particularly with Birzeit University, as it will benefit both Palestine and Malta. He also displayed great interest in the Palestine and Arabic Studies program and discussed organizing a student mobility from Maltese universities to study Arabic at Birzeit University.

During his visit, Mr. Aquilina went on a campus tour and visited the Palestinian Museum.

The current partnership between Birzeit University and the University of Malta includes a student exchange program, allowing students from Birzeit University to study for a semester at the University of Malta. In addition, the two universities have regular scientific visits by faculty members, promoting collaborative research projects and sharing of expertise.