Student exchanges, scientific conferences, and economic cooperation – these were the main topics discussed during the meeting between the authorities of the University of Zielona Góra and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey. The talks took place on Friday, April 11, at the UZ Rectorate. Also present at the meeting were the Lubusz Voivode, the Deputy Marshal of the Lubusz Voivodeship, and the Deputy Mayor of the city. All participants agreed that our region has many advantages that support international development – both in science and the economy.

Currently, there are nearly 50 students from Turkey studying at the University of Zielona Góra. Through student exchange programs, they pursue degrees in fields such as English philology, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Our university also boasts over 40 agreements with Turkish universities.
“This shows the scale of cooperation, and we would like even more Turkish students to come to Zielona Góra. We're considering implementing double-degree programs in collaboration with Turkish universities, which was also a topic of our discussions. We're glad to welcome students not only from Turkey’s largest universities but also from smaller, regional academic centers,” said Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.

International students – in this case, from Turkey – also present opportunities for economic development. International collaboration opens doors to the creation of new laboratories, advances in technology, and the signing of new scientific contracts.
“Turkey is very interested in strengthening ties with our voivodeship. Poland, as a member of the European Union, is seen as having great potential. Additionally, our region appears to them as a safe and stable place for Turkish investment – not least due to the strong presence of U.S. military forces. We are viewed as a gateway to Western Europe,” said Marek Cebula, Lubusz Voivode.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Rauf Alp Denktaş, highlighted the Space Technology Park as an area of interest. This modern center in Nowy Kisielin – Zielona Góra – may prove to be one of the key regional advantages that could attract Turkish capital.
The ambassador also emphasized that cooperation with the University of Zielona Góra has been ongoing for some time. Now is the time to refine the details for future partnership.

City officials are also considering the Zielona Góra–Turkey partnership.
“We would like to establish such cooperation – not only for student exchange but also to strengthen the local economy in Zielona Góra by attracting high-tech investors,” added Dr. Jarosław Flakowski, Deputy Mayor of Zielona Góra.

The meeting at the UZ Rectorate was one of the highlights of the Turkish ambassador's visit to Zielona Góra. His Excellency delivered a lecture to students entitled “Turkish Foreign Policy and Turkish–Polish Bilateral Relations” and attended a Friday evening Turkish music concert at the Zielona Góra Philharmonic as part of the “Music Without Borders” festival.