Under the high patronage of H.E. Mr. Hassan Mneimneh, Minister of Education and Higher Education, the Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences (FBCS) at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), represented by Prof. Nehme Azoury, Dean of the FBCS, signed a cooperation agreement on the joint doctoral studies in Business Sciences with Pantheon University – Assas Paris II, represented by Prof. Jacques Rojot, Director of the Doctoral College in Economy and Business Sciences.

This agreement outlines a cooperation project that aims to create a joint doctoral program in the field of business sciences. This project will contribute to the advancement of research in this field and train researchers holders of PhD. It seeks as well to offer opportunities to a number of students to get introduced to research in the field of business sciences and enable them to follow their doctoral studies. This agreement has been concluded for the period of 5 years and shall enter into force as of the date of signature.

In her welcome speech, Ms. Lea Yahchouchi underlined the friendship bond that has long existed between France and Lebanon, particularly in the field of education, pointing out the aspect of openness which distinguishes the University. In turn, Prof. Nehme Azoury delivered a speech in which he stated: “We have determined a main objective which consists in establishing cooperation relations in the fields of science and education with a prominent university, and more particularly in the field of business. We are totally aware of the numerous advantages resulting from establishing a cooperation agreement with a prestigious university like Paris II. Therefore, we had to carefully look for a higher education institution distinguished by innovation and the ability to interact positively in order to take advantage of experiences in the field of university education in which mutual benefits can take place”. In turn, Prof. Rojot expressed his delight to receive Lebanese researchers in the Doctoral College of Paris II, highlighting that such agreement will bring mutual benefits to both institutions in research in the field of business. While Prof. Nicole Chalhoub, President of the USEK Doctoral College, expressed her belief in the fruitfulness of this agreement, specifically due to the sense of commitment constantly shown by Prof. Nehme Azoury, in addition to the generous contribution presented by Prof. Jacques Rojot for the realization of this partnership. Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, USEK President, emphasized the importance of academic exchanges that will enrich both institutions through joint educational programs and research and will, not only promote bilateral relations between the two countries, but also reinvest them in order to guarantee their development and continuity.

At the end of the signing ceremony, Dr. Walid Khoury, representing H.E. Mr. Mneimneh, pointed out in his speech that this agreement sheds the light on the openness strategy which represents a major element of the rich history of USEK, and on the fact that cooperation between Lebanese and French higher education institutions seeks to enhance bilateral relations leading to the benefit of both countries.