Spanish Consul Visits Birzeit University to Discuss Prospects for Cooperation

Today, Birzeit University welcomed the Spanish Consul General to the State of Palestine, Ambassador José Javier Gutiérrez, who met with University President Dr. Talal Shahwan, Vice President for Advancement Department Dr. Yaser Amouri, Vice President for Campus Development Dr. Yazid El Rifai, Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts Ms. Ruba Khalaf, and Spanish language instructor Mr. Samuel Martín.

During the meeting, both sides explored prospects for joint cooperation between the university and the Spanish Consulate, and discussed ways to strengthen academic and cultural ties.

At the beginning of the visit, Dr. Shahwan welcomed Ambassador Gutiérrez and gave a comprehensive overview of Birzeit University, its academic programs, student body, and prominent faculties. He emphasized the importance of expanding academic cooperation with European Union countries, particularly Spain, as a key EU member state—highlighting that the university has already signed numerous agreements with Spanish universities and looks forward to reinforce this collaboration further.

Dr. Shahwan also addressed the challenges facing higher education in Palestine under occupation, especially in Gaza, where universities are subjected to systematic destruction. He further pointed out the obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation on academic mobility, including student arrests, checkpoint closures, and campus raids.

For his part, Ambassador Gutiérrez expressed his appreciation for Birzeit University’s pioneering role in academia and affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the education sector in Palestine and enhancing academic and cultural exchange programs.

He also praised the longstanding history between the Spanish and Palestinian peoples, reiterating Spain’s support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. He reaffirmed Spain’s condemnation of the crimes and violations committed against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

At the end of the visit, the Consul General and his accompanying delegation toured the university campus, including the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Languages and Translation. They also visited the Faculty of Art, Music and Design, where they were introduced to the faculty’s creative programs and the infrastructure supporting its cultural and artistic activities.