Antonine University (UA) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), initially signed in May 2018, with the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), reinforcing the strong academic and cultural partnership between Lebanon and Brazil.

Through this renewed agreement, both institutions will continue to promote international mobility for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and researchers. The new phase of cooperation will also introduce a short-term, three-week exchange program for researchers from both countries. Beyond mobility, the collaboration paves the way for joint implementation of courses, academic events, research projects, international missions, and scholarly publications, further advancing UA’s mission to integrate international perspectives into every dimension of education and research.

The renewal was marked by the visit of a Brazilian delegation composed of Prof. Rossana Valeria de Souza e Silva, Executive Director of the GCUB; Mr. Pablo Romero, Head of the Cultural and Education Section at the Embassy of Brazil in Beirut; and Ms. Emilie Houwat, Assistant to the Head of the Cultural and Education Section.

Representing UA were Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Rector; Fr. Toufic Maatouk, Director of the UA Choir and Chairperson of the Department of European Art Music; Prof. Rony Darazi, Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization; Dr. Talar Atechian, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Ms. Odile Feghali, Coordinator at the Office of International Relations, Ms. Christina Najem, Administrative Assistant at the Vice Rectorate for Cooperation and Internationalization; and Ms. Jocelyn Saab, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, who delivered an in-depth institutional presentation highlighting UA’s mission, values, and initiatives.

This renewed partnership underscores UA’s ongoing commitment through its Internationalization Policy, by fostering international cooperation and building lasting bridges between Lebanon and Latin America through research, innovation, and cultural exchange.