We welcomed the Rector of Yalova University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahçekapılı, to International Balkan University, where our Rector, Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar, hosted a productive institutional visit focused on advancing academic collaboration and building a sustainable partnership between our universities. During this official engagement, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a comprehensive framework for long-term cooperation, reflecting our shared commitment to expanding international academic networks and creating meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and researchers.

The meeting was also attended by Yalova University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Senay Yürür Karslıoğlu, adding valuable perspective to the discussions on future cooperation. Throughout the meeting, Rector Sunar emphasized Yalova University’s strong vision for internationalization and its well-established educational standards, while also underlining our determination at IBU to pursue strategic, results-oriented partnerships that generate lasting academic value. In response, Rector Bahçekapılı expressed his satisfaction with the visit and highlighted the importance Yalova University places on strengthening international connections, particularly within the Balkans, reaffirming the university’s dedication to expanding academic ties through collaborative and forward-looking initiatives.

Our discussions also served as a platform to outline concrete next steps, with both institutions emphasizing strong potential for cooperation across multiple academic domains. We highlighted opportunities for developing joint academic programs, sharing and advancing research projects, expanding student and staff mobility, and mutually supporting scientific and academic events that strengthen institutional visibility and scholarly exchange. Following these constructive discussions, Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar and Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahçekapılı officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant milestone in deepening collaboration in education, research, and cultural exchange, including faculty and researcher exchange, student mobility programs, joint courses, and the organization of scientific activities and academic events.