November 11, 2025

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation of Malta to promote cooperation in the field of higher education. The memorandum, signed by CoHE President Erol Özvar and Malta’s Minister for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation Dr. Clifton Grima, aims to strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries, fostering collaboration in academic exchanges, joint research projects, and student and faculty mobility.

“This cooperation is important in terms of science diplomacy”

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Council of Higher Education, Özvar underlined that the memorandum will elevate cooperation between the two countries in the areas of higher education, science, and technology.

Özvar emphasized that this step represents a natural and valuable partnership between Türkiye and Malta, two countries located at the crossroads of civilizations with strong cultural and historical ties. He added that this document signifies a new vision and a commitment to further expanding cooperation. He highlighted that the cooperation will strengthen the Mediterranean region's shared knowledge base, cultural richness, and innovation capacity, and that it also holds significant importance for science diplomacy.

“Our cooperation is fully aligned with the values of the European Higher Education Area”

Özvar stated that they consider Malta an important partner in efforts to enhance Türkiye’s integration with Europe in higher education. He noted: “Joint projects and publications by our universities, the exchange of experience and best practices will contribute to building a more connected, more competitive, and more inclusive European academic environment. The signatures on this memorandum are a declaration of our shared commitment to the future. Our cooperation is fully aligned with the values of the European Higher Education Area, of which Türkiye has been an active member since 2001.”

Özvar noted that Türkiye and Malta have complementary academic strengths. He emphasized that Malta’s expertise in maritime studies, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and digital innovation, when combined with Türkiye’s broad academic ecosystem, can provide significant contributions to the Mediterranean region. He further emphasized that enhancing cooperation in student and academic staff exchanges, joint programs, and research projects will enable future generations to establish international academic networks.

“Türkiye is one of the world’s most dynamic and attractive higher education hubs”

Özvar stated that the Council of Higher Education encourages universities to develop concrete projects with their international counterparts in areas of mutual interest, and emphasized that Türkiye is one of the most dynamic and attractive higher education centers in the world.

Minister Dr. Clifton Grima: “Our cooperation will be strengthened through concrete projects in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, archaeology, and tourism”

Minister Dr. Clifton Grima stated that the memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of a sustainable and multifaceted academic partnership between Türkiye and Malta.

During bilateral meetings, the CoHE delegation included Deputy President Prof. Naci Gündoğan, Rector of Turkish-Japanese University Prof. Mustafa Verşan Kök, Ambassador Mustafa Türker Arı, and Head of the International Relations Department Mustafa Efe; the Maltese delegation included Ambassador Dr. Marisa Farrugia and Advisor to the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Etienne St. John.