A delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU Naawan) comprising Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Chancellor, Prof. Gergie Ambato, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director of the Office of the International Affairs and Linkages, and Ms. Mabel Gutierrez from CHED IAS, recently paid a visit to the Turkish Embassy. Their purpose was to explore potential areas of collaboration between MSU Naawan, other Philippine universities, and Turkish universities, aiming to establish academic partnerships and foster international cooperation.

The productive meeting with Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol focused on cultivating meaningful partnerships between MSU Naawan and Turkish universities. The discussion revolved around potential collaborative initiatives that would benefit not only MSU Naawan but also the wider MSU System. This effort signifies a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education.

Various points of potential cooperation were discussed during the visit. One notable area of interest was the possibility of offering a short Turkish Language class at MSU Naawan. This initiative seeks to promote cultural exchange and deepen the understanding of Turkish language and traditions among students, contributing to their intercultural competence.

Another key topic on the agenda was the idea of hosting an international conference alongside the Turkish Education Fair. This back-to-back event would provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and educators from both Turkey and the Philippines to share their expertise and foster academic collaborations. The envisioned conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking, promoting a robust intellectual environment for participants.

The initiatives discussed during the meeting hold the potential to benefit not only MSU Naawan but also the entire MSU System. By establishing partnerships with Turkish universities, MSU aims to enhance academic excellence, broaden opportunities for international exposure, and foster collaborative research endeavors. These efforts will contribute to the overall development and global competitiveness of the MSU System.

Dr. Roa expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in promoting academic excellence. She stated, "Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to provide our students and faculty with enriching experiences, broaden their horizons, and develop their global perspectives. We believe that these initiatives will contribute significantly to the advancement of higher education in our institution and the entire MSU System."

The visit to the Turkish Embassy marked a significant milestone in the journey towards establishing fruitful collaborations between MSU Naawan, other Philippine universities, and Turkish universities. The potential offering of a Turkish Language class and the prospect of hosting an international conference in tandem with the Turkish Education Fair exemplify the commitment of both institutions to foster global partnerships and create opportunities for mutual growth.

With shared goals and a commitment to academic excellence, MSU Naawan and Turkish universities are poised to embark on a path of fruitful collaboration. As these partnerships evolve, they will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of higher education and cultural understanding, benefiting not only the institutions involved but also the broader academic community.