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On 14 February 2023, Sumy State University hosted a discussion for future cooperation between Sumy and the Coimbra (Portugal). Sumy State University will have an educational partner in this city.
Representatives of the Sumy Military Administration, Sumy State University, the City Hall and University of Coimbra exchanged views on establishing contacts online.
“We have 22 twin cities and are currently updating our cooperation. Most of our partners are in Europe and Latin America. As a sign of support for Ukraine, our city broke off cooperation with a Russian city. Instead, we want to establish partnerships with the city of Sumy and Sumy State University, in particular with the Medical Institute”, – said Joana LOUREIRO (Deputy Mayor of Coimbra).
Anna Isabel FEREIRA (representative of the International Department at University of Coimbra) expressed ideas to support Ukraine, expand scientific and educational contacts, implement joint projects.
“We also support Ukraine and are ready to help through academic cooperation. The university has many different cooperations around the world. We will be happy to work with you,” – emphasized Anna Isabel FEREIRA.
According to Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector), support of the world and international partners is very important for Ukraine and Ukrainian higher education institutions today. He noted that Sumy State University is a city-forming institution. This cooperation unites cities and universities on both sides.
Kostiantyn KYRYCHENKO (head of the SumDU International Cooperation Department) noted innovative cooperation in the city-university nexus is typical for European countries. He suggested areas of cooperation with the University of Coimbra, covering a wide range of scientific and educational areas.
Oleksii DROZDENKO (head of the Sumy City Military Administration) expressed his belief that cooperation between Portuguese and Ukrainian cities and universities would be successful and mutually beneficial.
“I am proud to have worked at Sumy State University for over 20 years. Sumy State University is in my heart. I am pleased that we have gathered today to talk about cooperation that will support the city and the university. We believe that this is the beginning of a great cooperation and strong friendship,” – emphasized Oleksii DROZDENKO.
By the next meeting, the parties agreed to develop specific proposals for a Memorandum of Cooperation between the municipal authorities and the University of Coimbra, Sumy Military Administration, Sumy City Council and Sumy State University.
For reference: Coimbra is a municipality and city in Portugal. It is located in the central part of the country, in the historical Portuguese province of Beira. According to the 2021 census, the municipality population was 140,796 people on an area of 319.40 square kilometers.
Coimbra is called A cidade dos estudantes (City of Students) or Lusa Atenas (Lusitanian Athens), mainly because it is the location of the oldest and one of the largest universities in Portugal - the University of Coimbra. It is the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1290 as the University of Lisbon. Training is provided in 45 bachelor's programs, 127 master's programs and 74 postgraduate programs. The university library is one of the oldest and richest on the continent and is a UNESCO site. More than 28,000 people study at the university. It occupies high positions in international rankings: QS - 351, THE - 401-500.
