University of Blida 2 Receives Director of Italian Cultural Center and Explores Academic Cooperation Prospects

In the framework of strengthening the academic and cultural partnership between Algeria and Italy, Professor Farid Kourtel, Rector of University of Blida 2 Lounici Ali, received Mrs. Antonia Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Center in Algeria, in the presence of vice-rectors and deans of faculties, in a meeting during which both parties discussed ways to develop joint cooperation.

In this context, Professor Kourtel affirmed the university’s ongoing openness to cooperation with the Italian side, noting that the institution this year is hosting the first cohort of training programs for the Higher School for Training Italian Language Teachers for Secondary Education. He added that this training program « requires support from the Italian side, particularly in the area of supervision and providing scholarships for doctoral students. »

For her part, Mrs. Grandi expressed her gratitude for the warm reception, praising the openness and fruitful engagement between the two parties. Speaking about the activities of the twenty-fifth edition of Italian Language Week in the World, she said: « Since I began working in Algeria, I have witnessed tangible and clear development in all fields, particularly in the advancement of Italian language teaching in cooperation with the higher education sector. »

Moreover, the Director of the Italian Cultural Center revealed the Italian government’s interest in allocating a larger number of scholarships for Algerian students in strategic specializations including education, as well as economics, engineering, and others. She referred to the « Italy for Scholarships » program in partnership with the University of Perugia, from which four Algerian universities have benefited, headed by University of Blida 2, confirming that « this commitment reflects the depth of the partnership with Algeria. »

In the same context, the meeting revealed preparations for signing a faculty exchange agreement between the university and the University of Perugia next month, which will enhance opportunities for academic and research exchange between the two institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mrs. Grandi presented a valuable collection of specialized books to the university rector and his team.