The protocol, signed between Near East University and Eastern Mediterranean University with the aim of increasing academic output and bringing scientific collaborations to an institutional level, aims to strengthen the common academic vision of these two long-established higher education institutions with a respected position in the world.

The protocol, which came into effect with a signing ceremony held at Near East University, was signed by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. Also, Near East University Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan and Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, and Eastern Mediterranean University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Rector’s Private Secretary Kazım Hakverdi attended the ceremony.

With this protocol, the two universities aim to create a broad area of cooperation ranging from academic staff and student exchange to joint research projects, scientific events, and academic sharing. Through joint research, conferences, seminars, and workshops, the active participation of academics and students in scientific production processes will be encouraged. Near East University recently signed cooperation protocols with Lefke European University and Cyprus International University.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This step, which deepens academic collaborations with a strategic vision, aims to extend inter-university solidarity to a regional sphere of influence.”

Describing the cooperation protocol signed between Near East University and Eastern Mediterranean University with the metaphor of “crossing the Rubicon”, symbolizing significant milestones in history, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The cooperation protocol signed between Near East University and Eastern Mediterranean University also opens a new era for higher education in the TRNC. This step, which deepens academic collaborations with a strategic vision, aims to extend inter-university solidarity to a regional sphere of influence.”

Emphasizing that the coming together of prominent, long-established institutions in Turkish higher education will create a strong synergy for the region, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ pointed out that the collaboration between two distinguished institutions, recognized and respected worldwide, will further strengthen scientific production and shared intellect.

Referring to the collaborations previously signed with Lefke European University and Cyprus International University, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that this process has been further strengthened with the protocol signed with Eastern Mediterranean University. Highlighting that this collaboration is an important step not only between the institutions but also for the Mediterranean region, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that the regional sphere of influence will expand through joint projects and academic exchanges, and thanked Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and his team.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç: “I hope this step, taken with mutual trust and sincerity, will be beneficial for both institutions.”

Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that this step taken between the two universities also marks the beginning of a new era. “As two long and well-established institutions in the field of higher education, we are actually entering a new phase with this protocol, which aims to develop our cooperation and encourage joint production.” said Prof. Dr. Kılıç, noting that both institutions are acting in line with the same goals. Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “We are two institutions sailing in the same boat, meeting on a common ground. This cooperation model that we have implemented will serve as an example not only for our universities but also for the society.”

Emphasizing that the protocol will be a guide in terms of developing academic collaborations and transforming them into social benefit, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said that this step will strengthen scientific production and further reinforce solidarity between universities. Prof. Dr. Kılıç further said, “Increased academic collaborations, the sharing of knowledge production, and its reflection on society will provide great gains for all of us. This protocol will be an important guide that defines the framework of this process.”

Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University, and Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University, for their sincere approach in the cooperation process. Thanking Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and his team, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç concluded his remarks by saying, “I do hope that this step, taken with mutual trust and sincerity, will be beneficial for both institutions.”