H. E the Ambassador of Algeria discusses university co-operation with the Ministry of Education

On Wednesday 16 July, the Ministry of Education (MEC) received a visit from the Algerian ambassador, H.E. M. Abdelaziz Benali Cherif, in Brasilia.  Topics discussed include: the construction of agreements and protocols of intent between teaching and research institutions in both countries. The ministry was represented by the general coordinator of the Higher Education Secretariat (Sesu), Ms. Lúcia Pellanda.

During his visit, the Ambassador of Algeria mentioned his wish to organise the signing of an agreement between the MEC and his country's Ministry of Higher Education and Research, as well as promoting opportunities for Brazilian rectors to visit universities in his country, and vice versa.

History - In May, President Lula expressed his interest in advancing educational cooperation with Algeria, during the II ‘Brazil-Africa’ Dialogue Session. 

Brazil and Algeria have had a scientific, technological and technical cooperation agreement since 1981, which includes initiatives such as the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Student-Covenant Programme (PEC). Since 2015, Algeria has been sending selected students to undergraduate courses, including medicine and international relations, becoming the first country in the Arab world to take part in the programme.

Also in 1981, the Brazil-Algeria Joint Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific, Technological, Technical and Cultural Co-operation was created, which meets regularly to promote bilateral educational initiatives. In 2009, the two countries signed a cultural co-operation agreement, which promotes the exchange of cultural and educational experiences. The initiative favours partnerships in the areas of museology, literature, visual arts and heritage protection, with visa facilitation for participants in official projects.