New prospects outlined for Armenian-Portuguese academic and interuniversity cooperation

Hovhannisyan and Martins stressed the importance of strengthening cultural, academic and research ties between Armenia and Portugal, noting that closer cooperation in education and research will give greater substance to the friendly relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Hovhannisyan discussed YSU's existing partnerships with Portuguese universities, particularly through the Erasmus+ program. Drawing on the university's experience of cooperation with several Portuguese institutions under the International Credit Mobility program, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding student and faculty mobility to strengthen ties in education and research.

Ambassador Martins expressed interest in expanding direct cooperation between YSU and Portuguese universities, as well as developing exchange programs for students and academic staff. She emphasized that Portuguese is an important language not only for culture but also for international communication and business relations.

The teaching of Portuguese at YSU was another key topic of discussion. As the two sides explored opportunities for Portuguese-language instruction, the ambassador outlined potential support from Camões - Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P. (Camões, I.P.), which operates under Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also discussed a possible trilateral partnership involving the institute, YSU and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Hovhannisyan also highlighted YSU's existing cooperation with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, noting its support for the university's publishing activities, library programs and educational and research initiatives.

Reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, Hovhannisyan and Martins agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation in the near future.

The meeting was also attended by Professor Alexander Markarov, Head of the YSU International Cooperation Office, and Professor Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Chair of Romance Philology at the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication.