Ongoing collaboration in the field of education between the two countries was discussed during the meeting held at the Ministry of National Education.

 

Mahmut Özer expressed his happiness about the visit of his Northern Cypriot counterpart Olgun Amcaoğlu and mentioned existing strong ties between the two countries.

 

Stressing that KKTC is a rapidly developing state with its loyal people, modern institutions and pluralist democracy, Özer said, "KKTC and the Turkish Cypriots have a special place in our heart. Our unity and solidarity is the most important guarantee of the bright future of the Turkish Cypriots."

 

Minister Özer expressed his faith that collaboration between two countries in the field of education will gradually grow and went on to say that: "We believe that opening EBA, digital infrastructure developed by our Ministry for the use of teachers and students in your country is an important milestone in our collaboration. We are happy to see that software and curriculum adaptation of KKTC EBA is almost complete."

 

Mentioning cooperation projects concerning special education and guidance services between the two countries, Özer said, "Within the framework of the Special Materials for Special Students Project, education materials designed for students with mild and high level autism are delivered to your ministry. I would like you to know that we will continue to give support according to our means in this field which requires special sensitivity."

 

Minister Özer stated that it will be possible for the two countries to continue the sister school project by taking pandemic conditions into consideration adding that, "In addition to this project, teachers will have the opportunity to attend various different professional improvement programs as we planned. I believe that we will be able to continue our in-service training programs. Moreover, our support for the improvement of vocational education in your country will continue." 

 

Stating that Turkey will take necessary measures for the reinforcement of education infrastructure in KKTC, Özer said, "We will continue to carry out coordinated activities in an effort to increase recognition of our universities at the international level and make our countries important education centers."

 

Meanwhile, KKTC Minister of Education and Culture Olgun Amcaoğlu expressed his happiness to visit Turkey and thanked the Ministry of National Education for its support in digital education, in-service training programs, vocational education and education materials adding that it meant a lot for 53 thousand students and 6 thousand teachers in his country.

 

Deputy Minister Ahmet Emre Bilgili, Director General For EU and Foreign Affairs Burcu Eyisoy Dalkıran, Director General For Teacher Training and Improvement Programs Cevdet Vural, Director General For Vocational and Technical Education Kemal Varın Numanoğlu and Director General For Higher Education and Study Abroad Cemal Yıldız were also present at the meeting.