Sinan Akdoğan
In line with Ondokuz Mayıs University's (OMU) strategy for internationalization, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Ankara, Achmad Rizal Purnama, accompanied by his delegation, visited Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal.
Under the guidance of the Head of the International Relations Unit, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu, Ambassador Purnama, along with Secretary Dhanny Perkasa, Chief Secretary Ika Permata Sari, protocol interpreter Cut Silvia, and protocol officer Ratu Eqivalen Fikri Faidah, met with Rector Ünal.
During the reception at the Rector's office, ideas and evaluations were shared to advance academic, scientific, and cultural relations between OMU and Indonesia.
Ambassador Achmad Rizal Purnama stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation between the two Muslim countries, highlighting universities' pivotal role in strengthening the relations between Indonesia and Türkiye and valuing the efforts and initiatives of OMU in particular.
Ambassador Purnama underscored their unconditional support for the development of existing collaborations between OMU and Indonesian universities, stating, "The Indonesia-Türkiye Friendship Association will also contribute to this effort. Furthermore, we will encourage Indonesian companies to support this cooperation. We always support the exchange of students and academics in fields such as medicine, agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, and health sciences from our country to OMU. We are committed to reinforcing the historical-cultural ties and friendship between the two countries."
Purnama also expressed that the occupation in Gaza is unacceptable to both countries and that they support Türkiye's stance and leading role against the oppression faced by Palestinians.
Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal mentioned their intention to further advance OMU's ongoing relations with Indonesia through joint symposiums, congresses, panels, and research and development (R&D) projects.
Emphasizing the importance of knowledge transfer and experience sharing, Rector Ünal stated, "The academic productivity and creativity in pioneering fields where both countries' universities excel will bring a competitive advantage. We set our strategic priorities in this direction. We encourage and support our students to internalize a culture of R&D and innovation. We are very pleased with our Indonesian students and wish to see more Indonesian students at our University."
During the meeting, Rector Ünal also shared details about the work conducted at Samsun TEKNOPARK, the Black Sea Advanced Technology Research and Application Center (KITAM), and the Hemp Research Institute.
Expressing gratitude to Ambassador Purnama for his efforts and sincerity towards cooperation, Rector Ünal added that they are grateful for Indonesia's interest and love for Türkiye.
The visit concluded with the exchange of gifts and a commemorative photo session.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Achmad Rizal Purnama and his delegation, accompanied by the Head of the International Relations Unit, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu, visited TEKNOPARK to learn about the ongoing work and examined examples of R&D projects.
At KITAM, the next stop, Ambassador Purnama personally observed the scientific research infrastructure and equipment.
Finally, new products made from hemp were introduced to the Ambassador of Indonesia at the Hemp Research Institute.
After the campus tour, Ambassador Purnama joined Indonesian students for a dinner program at the OMTEL Hotel.
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