The Rector of Comrat State University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serghei Zaharia, visited Akdeniz University (Antalya, Türkiye) from October 6 to 10, 2025 under the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching (STA) programme. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen academic ties between the universities, to identify new partnership directions, to develop international cooperation in the fields of education, science, and research, and also to deliver lectures and presentations for students and faculty members of Akdeniz University.
The meeting between the Rector of CSU Serghei Zaharia and the Rector of Akdeniz University, Prof. Dr. Özlenen Özkan, was of special importance. The dialogue took place in an atmosphere of mutual interest and openness. The leaders discussed opportunities to expand academic cooperation, to undertake joint initiatives in innovation, sustainable development, and engaging youth in international educational programmes. During the visit there were a series of working meetings with representatives of the International Office and the academic staff of Akdeniz University. The Coordinator of International Cooperation, Prof. Irfan Turhan, presented in detail the structure of the faculties and research centers of the university, as well as information on its international programmes and grant initiatives. Dr. Dilek Hale Aybar shared successful experiences of implementing Erasmus+ projects aimed at digitalization of education, promoting principles of sustainable development, and enhancing academic mobility of students and faculty.
During the visit, the Rector of CSU delivered a series of lectures and presentations at the Faculties of Law, Education, Natural Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Tourism, and Applied Sciences. The topics of the speeches were dedicated to the activities of Comrat State University, the features of the Autonomous Territorial Formation of Gagauzia, and the socio-economic development of the Republic of Moldova. Particularly interesting were the discussions devoted to the role of CSU in training qualified specialists, the impact of higher education on shaping future opportunities for youth, the significance of innovation, civic engagement, language, and culture for regional development. The discussion also touched upon the experience of Gagauzia as a model of peaceful resolution of ethnopolitical conflicts in the post-Soviet space. Special attention during the visit was paid to the Faculty of Law, as well as the Faculties of Tourism and Management of Akdeniz University. The Rector of CSU met with Prof. Dr. Burhan Özkan, Director of the School of Social Sciences; Prof. Dr. Nedim Yüzbaşıoğlu; and Lecturer Metehan Yaykaşlı. They discussed modern methods of applied learning, development of professional competencies of students, and integration of practical experience into curricula.
At the end of the visit, the Rector of Comrat State University expressed gratitude to the leadership and faculty of Akdeniz University for their hospitality and the high level of organization of the programme. As part of the cultural programme, the delegation visited the historical and natural landmarks of Antalya, including the Kaleiçi district, Hadrian’s Gate, the Archaeological Museum, and Düden Waterfalls.
The visit was a significant stage in the development of international cooperation of Comrat State University, opening new prospects for joint academic and research projects, and also strengthened the ties between Moldova and Turkey in the fields of education, science, and innovation.
Vizita a reprezentat o etapă semnificativă în dezvoltarea cooperării internaţionale a Universităţii de Stat Comrat, deschizând noi perspective pentru proiecte academice şi de cercetare comune, precum şi consolidând legăturile dintre Moldova şi Turcia în domeniile educaţiei, ştiinţei şi inovaţiei.
