Republic of Nicaragua’s ambassador visits Birzeit University

Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to Palestine, Mr. Roberto Morales, visited Birzeit University on Thursday, January 19, 2023, and met with Birzeit University President Dr. Beshara Doumani and Vice President for Advancement Dr. Ghassan Khatib.

Dr. Doumani presented an overview of Birzeit University’s history and current projects and addressed the Israeli violations against Palestinian universities. The parties stressed the strong relationship between Palestine and Nicaragua and investigated bolstering academic collaboration between Palestinian and Nicaraguan universities.

Mr. Morales emphasized Nicaragua’s support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination and to an independent state.

Director of the Office of Grants and Contracts, Dr. Amir Khalil, discussed collaboration prospects between Birzeit and Nicaraguan universities. Mr. Morales also visited the Palestine and Arabic Studies Program and met program chairperson Dr. Ala Alazzeh and coordinator Rasha Kassis. The parties discussed enhancing academic exchange and collaborating in teaching Arabic for non-native speakers.

The ambassador elaborated on higher education development plans in light of rural development and the inclusion of marginalized social groups in Nicaragua. Dr. Alazzeh stressed the program’s significance for promoting academic relations with universities in Nicaragua, Latin America and the Global South, in view of the historical relationship between the Palestinian and the Nicaraguan nations.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Alazzeh gifted Mr. Morales an art copy of a painting by Abdul Muti Abu Zeid. Created in 1982, the painting represents Palestine’s and Nicaragua’s common struggle and the solidarity among the people of both nations.