On October 6, members of the Swiss delegation of Friendship Force International visited Comrat State University, where they were personally welcomed by rector Sergey Zaharia.

Friendship Force International is an international non-profit organization that has been bringing people from different countries together since 1977 through cultural exchanges, personal encounters, and first-hand experiences of local communities. That is why getting to know Gagauzia was an important part of the Swiss guests’ stay in Moldova: they had the opportunity to experience the region from within and learn about its culture, language, and education system directly from the people who live and work here.

During the meeting, Rector Sergey Zaharia introduced the guests to the university, speaking about its history, faculties, academic programs, faculty members, and students. The conversation then turned to the role of education in the development of Gagauzia and the opportunities available to young people who wish to build their future in their home region.

Sergey Zaharia, who also serves as a member of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, placed particular emphasis on preserving the Gagauz language and national culture. He noted that Gagauz is his native language and that he would like his children and grandchildren to continue speaking it. At the same time, the rector stressed that preserving national identity does not mean turning away from modern development. Comrat State University seeks to combine the preservation of language, culture, and traditions with modern education, new technologies, and international cooperation.

In this regard, Comrat State University participates in Erasmus+ and other educational projects, develops academic partnerships with universities abroad, and works with international partners. The guests were particularly interested in the possibility of cooperation with Switzerland. Sergey Zaharia noted that the university currently has very few connections with Swiss institutions and expressed hope that such ties could be developed in the future.

The conversation also touched upon the history of Gagauzia and its contemporary development. The rector emphasized the openness of the Gagauz people, their desire to preserve their own identity while at the same time living in peace and harmony with their neighbors and respecting the statehood of the Republic of Moldova.

The discussion also addressed some of the challenges facing the university and the region today. Among the most pressing issues, the rector highlighted the demographic situation and migration. The departure of people and young people in particular, he said, represents a serious challenge for Gagauzia and the Republic of Moldova as a whole, making the development of education and the creation of opportunities for the younger generation all the more important. The Swiss guests actively took part in the conversation, asking questions and showing great interest in what they heard.

Ultimately, what began as an introduction to a regional university turned into a meaningful conversation about education, culture, language, international cooperation, and the future of Gagauzia. The guests were impressed by the university and by the rector’s personal commitment to the development of education and the region.

And perhaps one phrase best captures the spirit of the meeting: we entered the conference room at Comrat State University as people who were practically strangers, and we left as good friends.