On February 17, 2026, an online meeting of three university rectors was held, carrying strategic importance for the development of international cooperation and the strengthening of academic ties. The meeting was attended by the Rector of Comrat State University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serghei Zaharia, the Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, and the Rector of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Prof. Dr. Veysel Eren.
Also present were the Coordinator for External Relations of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Serkan Yıldırım; the Director of External Relations, Dr. Kadir Ağgün; the Director of the Turkish Language Teaching Center of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kürşat Türkan; the Coordinator for International Relations and Türkiye at Comrat State University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kudret Safa Gümüş (delegated from Aksaray University under the Education Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Chișinău); the Director of the M.V. Marunevici Scientific Research Center of ATU Gagauzia, Irina Constantinova; as well as staff members of the international relations offices and academic representatives of the three universities.
In a constructive and productive dialogue, the parties discussed priority areas of cooperation, including the development of joint scientific research, implementation of academic mobility programs for students and faculty, organization of international conferences and symposia, mutual exchange of scientific publications, and integration of modern educational technologies into the learning process. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in the fields of humanities, linguistic research, and socio-economic studies, as well as on strengthening intercultural dialogue.
As a result of the meeting, cooperation agreements were signed to establish a sustainable and long-term strategic partnership between the universities. These agreements provide a solid foundation for the implementation of joint projects, exchange of academic experience, enhancement of educational quality, and more effective utilization of the scientific potential of the three institutions.
The cooperation developed with prestigious higher education institutions of the Turkic world holds particular strategic value for the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia in the Republic of Moldova. These partnerships not only strengthen the region’s historical and cultural ties with the Turkic world, but also make a significant contribution to the preservation, research, and development of the Gagauz language. Joint academic activities, scientific projects in the fields of language and literature, and reciprocal academic interaction enable the Gagauz language to be addressed within a modern scientific framework, enrich its terminology, and ensure its stronger transmission to younger generations.
The expansion of international cooperation provides new academic and professional opportunities for students and faculty, supports the intellectual development of youth, and enhances the university’s international visibility and reputation. At the same time, this process contributes to the development of academic diplomacy, deepening mutual understanding, and strengthening intercultural interaction.
The signed agreements clearly demonstrate the parties’ determination to develop cooperation in science, education, and culture on the basis of mutual benefit and a long-term strategic vision. The implementation of the planned initiatives will elevate not only inter-institutional relations but also regional and international academic cooperation to a higher level.
