Atatürk University, which has entered into collaborative agreements with numerous universities as part of the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project-initiated internationalization mission, continues to make significant strides toward becoming a global university.

Within this framework, a delegation led by Rector Omer Çomaklı embarked on an academic journey to Algeria, a country with which Turkey shares significant historical and cultural connections. During their visit, protocol agreements were initiated to govern collaborative research endeavors with universities. During the initial day of their visit, Rector Çomaklı and his team paid a visit to the Algerian Embassy to the Republic of Turkey, Muhammet Mücahit Kücükyılmaz, in addition to the National Polytechnic University, Houari Boumedine University of Science and Technology, and the University of Algeria. During their meeting, they exchanged information pertaining to the bilateral relations between the two nations.


"The friendship between Turkey and Algeria dates back centuries."

According to Rector Çomaklı, diplomatic relations between the two nations recommenced in 1962, following Algeria's independence, after official relations had been severed since the Ottoman Empire's dominance over these territories ceased in the 1500s. He further stated that these historical connections facilitated the growth of cultural ties between the two countries. Indicating that relations between Turkey and Algeria have improved in recent years, Rector Çomaklı stated that there has been a surge in high-level political visits and technical level contacts since the signing of the "Friendship and Cooperation Agreement" in 2006. Rector Çomaklı stated that the aforementioned advancements are bolstered by the cooperation protocols established between Atatürk University and universities in Algeria. "On the inaugural day of our visit to Algeria, we formally ratified cooperation protocols with universities." "This momentous action shall fortify the scholarly and cultural connections between our two nations, while also presenting novel prospects for scholars, staff, and researchers to explore."

"Atatürk University's strategy to expand its international cooperation network includes these visits."

 Assuring that it will facilitate scientific events, joint research projects, and student and faculty exchange programs, Rector Çomaklı stated, "These programs afford faculty and students the chance to gain exposure to an alternative educational system and culture. At the same time, it will contribute to the international expansion of our university. Additionally, it will provide faculty and students with the chance to experience an educational system and culture from another nation. I am of the opinion that these collaborations will serve as a beneficial experience, facilitating the professional growth of both students and faculty. The establishment of these partnerships with Algerian universities is an element of Ataturk University's global collaboration network expansion strategy. The objective of this strategy is to increase the university's international influence. "This visit to Algeria, with which we have long-standing friendship, will further strengthen relations with the universities here and deepen the academic and cultural ties between the two countries," said the rector.

Three days will be devoted to the academic visits of Rector Çomaklı and his escorting delegation to Algeria, during which eight institutions will enter into cooperation agreements.

Directorate of Corporate Communications – January 29, 2024