Egypt and Belgium signed an MoU on Thursday in which EGP 16 mn was allocated for the renovation of Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis, according toa statementfrom the Investment and International Cooperation Ministry. Meanwhile, Alexandria University’s Center of Excellence for Water ― part of a five year, USD 90 mn USAID initiative ― opened last week. The center will link researchers from Egypt and the US with members of the private sector, to find solutions to water challenges that include supply, irrigation and waste, according to a US embassy statement.