explore possibilities for EU support in the setting up and running of a National Fund for Scientific Research and Development. Promote the integration of Egypt into scientific high-level exchanges — Reinforce Egypt’s participation in international exchange and mobility programmes, in particular the Marie Curie scholarships; foresee appropriate mechanisms for return and integration to Egypt, — reinforce the exchange of personnel in the joint projects and Centres of Excellence as well as promote and facilitate the participation of Egyptian scientists in international scientific debates and fora, — promote the access of Egyptian scientists to European scientific databases, — promote the participation of Egyptian scientists in European research groups also in the field of innovation. (b)