On December 17, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mingachevir State University (MSU) and Middle East Technical University (METU), one of Türkiye’s leading universities, with the aim of expanding international cooperation.

Within the framework of the visit, a delegation led by MSU Rector Anar Eminov visited METU in Ankara. The delegation was received by the Rector of METU, Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on current challenges in higher education, global academic trends, and contemporary models of inter-university cooperation, as well as areas of mutual interest.

Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil welcomed the delegation and noted that cooperation between universities plays an important role in the development of scientific research and the exchange of innovative knowledge. He emphasized that the signed memorandum will contribute to strengthening relations in higher education between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. He also highlighted that METU’s strong research infrastructure and academic capacity create favorable conditions for the implementation of joint projects, scientific publications, academic exchange programs, and other collaborative initiatives.

Rector Anar Eminov provided information on MSU’s internationalization strategy, noting that sustainable development in science and research has been identified as a priority area in recent years. He emphasized that, in the context of implementing modern teaching and management approaches, expanding digitalization, and promoting innovation-oriented initiatives, cooperation with METU is of particular importance. He also noted that collaboration with an internationally recognized research university will contribute to strengthening MSU’s academic capacity, implementing joint research projects, and creating new international opportunities for students and academic staff.

At the end of the meeting, the Memorandum of Understanding between MSU and METU was signed. The document serves as a general framework for institutional cooperation and provides a basis for concluding specific agreements at the level of faculties, institutes, and other structural units in the future.

According to the memorandum, cooperation will include student and academic staff exchange programs, joint scientific research projects, co-supervision of graduate students, organization of conferences and academic events, establishment of research laboratories, exchange of academic materials and information, as well as the implementation of short-term specialized educational programs.

At the initial stage, it is planned to launch a student exchange program starting from the 2025–2026 academic year. Within this program, two students from each university will be exchanged annually.

The memorandum also covers short- and long-term academic visits of faculty members and their participation in teaching and research activities. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of academic integrity, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and the protection of personal data.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding represents an important component of MSU’s internationalization strategy and contributes to the expansion of cooperation with leading international higher education and research institutions.