The President of Al-Quds Open University, Prof. Ibrahim Al-Shaer, emphasized that the university views Erasmus+ as a strategic platform to enhance academic excellence and international engagement. He highlighted that expanding the university’s global network and developing high-impact projects that allow students and faculty to gain cross-border academic and research experience is a central priority. Prof. Al-Shaer added that active international partnerships serve as a key driver for advancing higher education, noting the university’s continuous efforts to strengthen its presence in European programs, particularly Erasmus+. He also expressed appreciation for the support of the National Erasmus+ Office and stressed the university’s goal of translating this cooperation into tangible projects that benefit both students and academic staff.

This statement came during a meeting with a delegation from the National Erasmus+ Office – Palestine on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the university’s headquarters in Ramallah. The delegation included Mr. Federico Foti, Director of the PEGASE program for direct financial support and cooperation at the Office of the European Union Representative; Dr. Amir Khalil, Director of the National Erasmus+ Office in Palestine; and Ms. Hiba Kitana Technical and Administrative assistant at National Erasmus+ Office Palestine.

The meeting aimed to enhance academic cooperation, expand international partnership opportunities, and strengthen the university’s participation in European programs supporting higher education. It focused on ways to expand the university’s involvement in Erasmus+ programs, enhance academic mobility for students and faculty, and develop joint projects with European universities, contributing to the quality of higher education, reinforcing academic excellence, and promoting international engagement and integration.

Dr. Amir Khalil expressed pride in the collaboration with the university, praising its notable progress in project management and international partnership development. He affirmed that Al-Quds Open University is a capable and active partner for expanding mobility programs and institutional capacity-building projects.

The visit is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international presence and broaden academic and research cooperation with regional and global partners, which positively impacts the quality of education and provides students with greater opportunities for global academic experiences.