A memorandum of understanding was signed between Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) and Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports to further expand the university's international academic network in line with the strategies determined.

Rector of the Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, Prof. Dr. Saiddin Azizbaevin, who was in Samsun on the occasion of the FISU (International University Sports Federation) World Cup Combat Sports, of which OMU is also a stakeholder, met with Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal before the signing ceremony.

During the visit at the Rectorate, Rector Azizbaev was accompanied by OMU Faculty of Sports Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Murat Eliöz, Advisor to the Rector of Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports and Muş Alparslan University Faculty of Sports Sciences faculty member Prof. Dr. Mehmet Türkmen.

During the meeting, Rector Ünal and Azizbaev shared their ideas and assessments on the nature of cooperation. After the office visit, the Rectors went to the Senate Hall for the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, which includes academic and educational relations between the universities.

Rector Ünal "We hope that the MoU will make a serious contribution to OMU"

Speaking at the ceremony, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal stated that they are pleased to cooperate with an important state university in Kyrgyzstan and said, “As both parties, we have deemed it appropriate to sign this MoU on cooperation, solidarity, student and academic exchange, and common cultural activities, especially in sports. While aiming to share the success of our university in sports with a sister university and to transfer this experience, we hope that both the equipment, potential, and experience of the Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, which is one of the strongest institutions of Kyrgyzstan in sports, will contribute significantly to OMU. We attach great importance to the cooperation between the two sister countries and universities, so we are delighted to sign this agreement.”

Taking the stage afterward, the guest Rector Prof. Dr. Saiddin Azizbaev, on the other hand, stated that they came to Samsun for the first time and that they were pleased to get to know OMU and to meet Rector Unal.

Pointing out that the Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports was established in 1955 and continues education in a specific field; sports, Rector Azizbaev continued, “Your campus is gorgeous. I sincerely thank you for your interest. We have always wanted to get in touch with OMU. We believe that sharing our experience and knowledge in different sports branches will lead to good works in the future.”

Rector Azizbaev, who is also a senior Olympic referee, also served as the head referee in wrestling at FISU.

Rector Azizbaev, a top-level Olympic referee also served as the head referee in the wrestling branch of the FISU World Universities Martial Sports Cup and expressed that they appreciate OMU for being a stakeholder in such an organization.

After the speeches, Rector Ünal and his Azizbaev signed the MoU and wished it good luck.

The protocol ceremony was completed with the presentation of gifts and plaques.

The MoU will be valid for two years and includes academic cooperation between the two universities, exchange of researchers, students, and staff, material support in common areas, and joint cultural activities.