AAU Announces MOU with Qatar University
In its latest drive for internationalization, Addis Ababa University has signed an exploratory agreement with the University of Qatar in the Middle East to put in place a framework for future collaboration in areas of mutual strategic interest.
During the signing ceremony, AAU president Dr Samuel Kifle said the agreement builds on the excellent relations between the two countries, adding the two parties will explore the potential benefits of the partnership.
The President in particular mentioned the intention to explore opportunities provided by the Qatar Foundation in the context of health development.
The president spoke of the areas of cooperation in the health sector where Qatar has made advances from.which AAU medical schools can tap lessons. The example set by the Qatar Foundation Institute was considered an opportunity for AAU medical establishments to take forward their medical and surgical services in cooperation with Qatar University and the Qatar Foundation.
The AAU president underlined in particular the specific needs of the infrastructural medical ecosystem under Addis Ababa University. In this connection, he said AAU has received pledges from the Qatar Foundation in regard to the Renal Unit of the Black Lion Hospital in helping meet renal technology needs and raising the standard of care for renal patients . The president said the Health Science College is developing a proposal along the promises of the Qatar Foundation.
Mathewos Ensermu, PhD, Head of the President’s Office, for his part explained that a delegation from Addis Ababa University had previously visited Doha and reached an agreement with Qatar University to collaborate on strategic planning, research, education program design, and accreditation. Dr Mathewos further said that the Qatar Foundation has already taken practical steps by initiating a two- year project to provide assistance to Addis Ababa University. He also said the Qatari ambassador to Ethiopia H.E. Saad Mubarak Saad Al Jafali Al Naimi, has had important deliberations with the AAU leadership to further solidify the partnership.
The QU delegates also assured the Ethiopian side that they seek to provide technical assistance to Addis Ababa University in areas where there are significant gaps and needs and demonstrably contribute as partners.