4 Agreements Of Collaboration Between Malta And Turkey In the Fields Of Education, Sports, And Youth Have Been affirmed

Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during a three-day visit to Ankara, Turkey, by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima. These agreements will foster collaboration between the two countries across a range of sectors. Minister Grima was accompanied by Dr Marisa Farrugia, Malta’s Ambassador to Turkey, and Charles Calleja, First Secretary at the Maltese Embassy in Ankara.

A key MoU was signed with the Turkish Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in education. The agreement opens doors for collaboration in multiple areas, including student and academic exchanges, joint research, digital education, and the promotion of the languages and cultures of both countries.

During the meeting at the Ministry of National Education, both ministers emphasised the vital role of education in building peace and promoting human rights and justice in modern societies. Minister Tekin highlighted the importance of the education sector for governments aspiring to strengthen peace and uphold universal values. Minister Grima reiterated Malta’s commitment to this partnership, describing the agreement as a first step towards concrete actions fostering knowledge exchange, mutual respect, and new opportunities for students and academics in both countries.

Two further MoUs were signed with Dr Osman Aşkın Bak, Turkey’s Minister for Youth and Sports, strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of youth and sport. These agreements followed discussions earlier this year during the Ministerial Conference held in Malta. During the Ankara meeting, Minister Bak outlined his ministry’s extensive portfolio, particularly support for university students through scholarships, the development of sports infrastructure, and the enhancement of youth centres across Turkey.

Together with Prof. Dr Erol Özvar, President of Turkey’s Council of Higher Education, Minister Clifton Grima signed a historic MoU at the Turkish Higher Education Council in Ankara. Both parties agreed on the crucial role of higher education in strengthening Malta–Turkey cooperation. President Özvar described the agreement as a significant expression of a shared vision for academic collaboration. Minister Grima highlighted Malta’s firm commitment to creating opportunities for students and the academic community, emphasising the important role of the Maltese Embassy in Turkey in facilitating the agreement’s implementation.

The MoU establishes a framework for academic and scientific exchanges, supports student and academic mobility, joint study programmes leading to degrees, and collaboration in areas including maritime studies, tourism, historical archives, archaeology, water desalination, and blockchain technologies.

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