In Uzbekistan, branches of two leading Italian universities – the University of Turin and the University of Pisa – are operating successfully. This April, the second Rectors’ Forum was held.

In the country’s education sector, plans are underway to launch dual-degree programs with other prestigious Italian universities.

This was reported by officials who shared their views following the talks held on May 29 at the Congress Center between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni.

Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

– Two years ago, during the President’s official visit to Italy, a joint declaration was adopted to establish a strategic partnership between our countries. Several interstate, intergovernmental, and interagency documents were signed in the presence of the leaders to expand multifaceted cooperation. Special attention was given to collaboration in education. It is gratifying that this cooperation has already yielded concrete results. In Uzbekistan, branches of two leading Italian universities – the University of Turin and the University of Pisa – are operating successfully, and several major projects have been implemented. More than 40 Italian universities have expressed interest in cooperating with our country, and agreements have already been signed with them. As a result, great opportunities have been created for our students. Today, more than 400 of our students are studying in Italy, and over 200 specialists are successfully working in that country’s leading companies.

During this latest high-level visit, initiatives were approved to launch a branch of the University of Tuscia in Uzbekistan and establish dual-degree programs with Pisa, Trento, Roma Tre, and Ca' Foscari universities.

Alvaro Marucci, Director of the University of Tuscia, Italian Republic:

– With its half-century history, our university is considered one of Italy’s leading higher education institutions and holds top positions in international rankings. The university has six faculties that train specialists in the agricultural sector and other fields. During our visit to the universities in Samarkand, we became acquainted with ongoing international projects and student startups. We signed memoranda of cooperation with several educational institutions in Uzbekistan. The agreements reached are of great importance for educating the younger generation. Specialists from Italy will teach at universities in Uzbekistan, and students from Uzbekistan can study in Italy. The agreements also provide for the implementation of joint scientific projects and the development of academic mobility for students, faculty, and researchers.

Bobir Islamov, Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

– It can be stated with confidence that the negotiations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, hold historic significance. The two countries’ leaders adopted a Joint Declaration on strengthening strategic partnership. Several important documents were also signed in their presence. Mutually beneficial agreements were reached in mining and geology. As part of this cooperation, steps will be taken to integrate the innovative educational technologies used in Italian higher education institutions into Uzbekistan’s educational system. In addition, new training programs for highly qualified specialists will be approved and implemented in partnership with the University of Pisa.

It should be noted that within the framework of the official visit, documents were also signed with Italy’s National Research Center, the companies SIMEST and Danieli, the University of Perugia, and other organizations.

Ikrom Avvalboyev, UzA