On December 17, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Mingachevir State University (MSU) and Middle East Technical University—one of Türkiye’s most prestigious higher education institutions—aimed at expanding international cooperation.
On this occasion, a delegation led by MSU Rector Anar Eminov visited Middle East Technical University in Ankara. The delegation was welcomed by the Rector of ODTÜ, Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on current challenges in higher education, global academic trends, new models of inter-university cooperation, and areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil expressed his satisfaction with hosting the MSU delegation at ODTÜ. He emphasized that inter-university cooperation plays a vital role in advancing science at a global level and in sharing innovative knowledge, noting that the signed Memorandum of Understanding would contribute to strengthening higher education relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. He highlighted that ODTÜ’s strong research infrastructure and academic expertise create broad opportunities for joint projects, scientific publications, academic exchange programs, and collaborative initiatives, expressing confidence in the long-term and productive nature of this partnership.
Rector Anar Eminov spoke about MSU’s internationalization strategy in recent years, noting that sustainable development in science and research has been identified as a priority direction. He emphasized that, in the context of implementing modern teaching and management models, expanding digitalization, and promoting innovation-driven initiatives, cooperation with Middle East Technical University holds special significance. He added that collaboration with a globally recognized research university like ODTÜ will significantly 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 Middle East Technical University was signed. The document serves as a general legal framework for institutional cooperation and provides a basis for signing specific agreements at the level of faculties, institutes, and structural units in the future.
According to the memorandum, cooperation will include the implementation of academic and student–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 education and academic programs.
In the initial phase, a student exchange program will be launched starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, with the mutual exchange of two students from each university per academic year.
The memorandum also covers short- and long-term academic visits of faculty members, as well as their participation in research and teaching activities. The parties have emphasized their commitment to scientific ethics, equal opportunity principles, non-discrimination, and the protection of personal data.
It should be noted that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Middle East Technical University is an important component of MSU’s internationalization strategy and contributes to expanding the university’s cooperation with leading global higher education and research institutions.