On May 21, 2024 the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a meeting of the First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of UWED Akram Umarov, IAIS Deputy Director Shakhboz Akhmedov with the teaching staff of the University of Coimbra (Portugal) – Maria Raquel Freire, Daniela Nascimento and Bernardo Teles Farmer.

At the outset of the discussion, Vice-Rector A. Umarov provided an introduction to UWED, sharing insights about its establishment, ongoing activities, and long-term plans to enhance the institution's educational and research capabilities. Subsequently, IAIS Deputy Director S. Akhmedov delivered a concise overview of the regional and thematic centers at the institute, along with potential areas of collaboration with European research institutions.

Acknowledging the extensive cooperation in higher education, Bernardo Teles Farmer, a researcher at the Center for Social Research of the University of Coimbra, emphasized the Portuguese side’s interest in initiating joint exchange programs for both students and faculty between the universities of the two countries under the framework of the Erasmus+ project. Additionally, Daniela Nascimento highlighted the possibility of developing specialized degree programs based on the students’ interests.

Regarding research projects, the University of Coimbra representatives mentioned the inclusion of Central Asian topics in the lectures of the “Regional Spaces” course. Moreover, Maria Raquel Freire expressed her belief in the potential for increased joint projects in the field of Latin American studies, in collaboration with the Center for American Studies at IAIS.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in the near future, reaffirming the commitment of both parties to fostering bilateral academic collaboration.