Turkey, Japan ink deal to open science-focused university

“This university will no doubt have a significant place in Turco-Japanese relations that spread across centuries. This university will further deepen the ties of friendship between the peoples of the two countries while also opening new doors to their citizens,” İbrahim Kalın, the chief foreign policy advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who also chaired the Turkish delegation that carried out the negotiations, said on June 30. 

“The university aims to become one of the world’s leading universities in its field. Considering Japan’s know-how and Turkey’s growing economy and perspective, we hope this university will become an attraction center in its field,” Kalın added. 

The deal was signed by of Turkish Education Ministry Undersecretary Yusuf Tekin and Japanese Ambassador to Ankara Hiroshi Oka in a ceremony held at Çankaya Mansion in the capital Ankara. 

Education Minister İsmet Yılmaz also attended the ceremony, where he highlighted the centuries-old friendship between the countries “located on the opposite ends of Asia.”

Oka started his speech by extending his condolences to the families and relatives of the June 28 attack on Istanbul Atatürk Airport that killed at least 44 and wounded hundreds of others, stressing his country stood in solidarity with the Turkish people.

“I am honored to sign this deal regarding the establishment of this university. It is an honor to work in this project that is meaningful for Turkey’s development,” Oka said, adding the university would serve to further ties between the two peoples.