Minister of National Education Ziya Selçuk met with his North Macedonian counterpart. Expressing his gratitude due to the visit of the North Macedonian delegation, Selçuk stated, "Experience sharing is an important part of our cooperation with North Macedonia in which Turkey has common historical and cultural ties..." Minister Selçuk stated that both countries will continue to take steps in order to boost existing positive relations.

 

Topics of the meeting were the student exchange program between two countries, dissemination of elective Turkish courses in Macedonia and establishment of libraries in the schools where Turkish students study.

 

Noting that cooperation between the two countries in the field of education became more important than ever during the pandemic, Minister Selçuk said, "During this period, we have achieved important success concerning digitalization of education. I would like to stress that we would be happy to cooperate in this field."

 

Both Ministers stated that they believe that sharing of best examples and applications during the pandemic will make important contributions to education.

 

Selçuk stated that both countries can improve scholarship opportunities for Turkish students studying in Macedonia and Macedonian students studying in Turkey adding that Turkey is ready to provide experience and human resources support to Macedonia concerning in-service training.

 

Stressing that Turkey has achieved important success in vocational and technical education, Selçuk said that these schools produced important amounts of masks, medical aprons and allovers, disinfectants, face guards and health supplies during the pandemic.

 

Noting that activities of Southeastern Europe Cooperation Process which was initiated in an effort to boost cooperation between member countries continue, Minister Selçuk went on to say:

 

"We wish that this visit will pave the way for more cooperation. I believe that our relations based on mutual trust and brotherhood will become stronger."