Professor Stephen Shute, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) with Khalil Amiri, the Tunisian Secretary of State for Scientific Research

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) Professor Stephen Shute joined 15 senior UK university representatives in Tunisia as part of a British Council initiative. They were joined by officials from the British Council, the British Embassy, Universities UK International and the UK Foreign Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt.

The UK delegation met with representatives from the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Talks centred on opportunities for collaboration between UK universities and Tunisia, including supporting Tunisian students to study in the UK. Following discussions, representatives were hosted to an evening reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence.

The visit also saw the launch of the UK-Tunisia Higher Education Commission, which aims to transform higher education links between Tunisia and the UK by 2021. The Commission has been established in response to UK and Tunisian government ambitions to increase the level of cooperation between the two countries.

In his role as Universities UK Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Chair, Professor Stephen Shute provided invaluable insights to discussions, as well as raising the profile of Sussex to UK and Tunisian governments. Professor Shute had the opportunity to meet Khalil Amiri, the Secretary of State for Scientific Research, reporting to the Tunisian Minister, and Maher Gassab, the Director General of Higher Education in the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

For further information about Sussex’s activity in Tunisia, please contact Sarah Scally, International Officer for Middle-East and North Africa on s.scally@sussex.ac.uk