Kazakhstan and Greece are taking steps to strengthen cooperation in education and science, signaling growing interest in deeper academic ties between the two countries. On January 26, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece, Timur Sultangozhin, met with the Vice-Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sophia Papaioannou, to discuss concrete areas of collaboration, DKNews.kz reports.
Rather than limiting the discussion to general intentions, the meeting focused on practical mechanisms for partnership. One of the key topics was the elaboration of a Memorandum of Understanding between higher education institutions of Kazakhstan and Greece. Such a document could serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation between universities, opening the door to joint programs and institutional partnerships.
One of Europe’s oldest universities and a growing interest in Central Asia
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is one of Greece’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a strong international academic reputation. Interest in cooperation with Kazakhstani universities reflects a broader trend of expanding academic engagement with Central Asia, a region that is increasingly visible on the global educational map.
During the meeting, the sides also discussed the possibility of organizing a joint scientific conference. This format would allow researchers from both countries to exchange expertise, identify shared research interests, and initiate collaborative scientific projects. According to participants, such initiatives could become a catalyst for more systematic cooperation in research and innovation.
Academic exchanges and joint projects
The meeting confirmed the mutual interest of Kazakhstan and Greece in developing academic ties and implementing joint educational and scientific projects. Potential areas of cooperation include student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and joint participation in international grants and academic programs.
For Kazakhstan, expanding cooperation with European universities offers an opportunity to further integrate into the European academic space. For Greek institutions, partnerships with Kazakhstan provide access to new regions, perspectives, and research networks.
Education as a bridge between countries
Experts note that academic cooperation often plays a broader role than education alone. University partnerships help build long-term professional and cultural connections, contributing to stronger bilateral relations between countries.
The discussion in Athens suggests that Kazakhstan and Greece are interested in moving from dialogue to action. If the planned initiatives are implemented, academic cooperation could become an important and sustainable pillar of relations between the two countries.
