Discussing the principles of cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and the University of Tlemcen (Algeria) and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was the purpose of a meeting held on October 10, 2023 at our university.
The meeting was attended by representatives of both universities. The University of Gdańsk was represented by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, dr hab. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, prof. UG, Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, dr hab. Waldemar Surosz, prof. UG, prof. dr hab. Hanna Mazur-Marzec, dr Anna Toruńska-Sitarz, Director of the International Cooperation Office Magdalena Sawicz, and dr hab. Edvardas Juchnevicius, prof. UG from the Faculty of Law and Administration. On behalf of Tlemcen University, the meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, prof. Nassima Mokhtari-Soulimane, and the Deputy Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Erasmus Exchange, dr Omar Behadada.
The purpose of the visit was to initiate cooperation between the two universities and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). During the meeting, dr Omar Behadada presented the project activities carried out by Tlemcen University, highlighting the importance of the university's internationalisation and the importance of partnerships with European universities and organisations. As part of its internationalisation strategy, Tlemcen University emphasises implementing joint international projects such as Tempus Projects, Intra-Africa Projects and Erasmus+ projects. Vice-Rector Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler shared information about the key SEA-EU European Universities project the University of Gdańsk participates in and highlighted the role of international initiatives in the development of the university.
'The key to success in internationalisation activities is to promote it also in one's own environment,' emphasised Vice-Rector prof. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler. 'After all, international cooperation is supposed to benefit academic community members, which will translate into the internationalisation of research and its results, a broad exchange of experiences and inclusiveness, and the building of lasting interpersonal relations.'
'We are prepared to cooperate with the University of Gdańsk in terms of, among other things, joint research and academic exchange,' added dr Omar Behadada.
Participants of the meeting also expressed their readiness to undertake a wide variety of initiatives that will benefit students, faculty members, and the academic community. Participation in the meeting of authorities and researchers from the Faculties of Oceanography and Geography (which already have joint research plans with partners from Tlemcen) and the Faculty of Law and Administration (which has experience in cooperation with another Algerian university) is a good step towards sustainable international cooperation with Algerian universities.
A joint application under the Erasmus+ project is planned for the near future.
