The Rector of the University of Palermo, Prof. Massimo Midiri, recently welcomed H.E. Cyrille Ganou Badolo, Ambassador of Burkina Faso, at the historic Steri Monumental Complex. The meeting was attended by Prof. Fabio Mazzola, Vice-Rector for Education and Internationalization, Prof. Antonello Miranda, Director of A.S.CENT. - Centre of Advanced Studies, and Antonio Tito, Honorary Consul of Burkina Faso in Palermo.

During the visit, the Rector and the Ambassador signed a Declaration of Intent aimed at fostering cultural, scientific, and academic cooperation between the University of Palermo and higher education institutions in Burkina Faso, particularly the University of Ouagadougou. The agreement sets the stage for the development of memoranda of understanding and framework agreements, facilitating faculty and student exchanges and strengthening collaboration between the two academic communities.

Ambassador Ganou Badolo emphasized the strong support of the Burkina Faso Government for initiatives promoting international academic partnerships with UniPa. Prof. Mazzola highlighted the growing presence of African students at the University of Palermo, including students from Burkina Faso, while Prof. Miranda noted that A.S.CENT. - Centre of Advanced Studies can offer scholarships to support scholars from Burkina Faso, promoting international research and academic dialogue.

This visit represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing global education, cross-cultural exchange, and collaborative research between Europe and West Africa.