On April 15, 2025, a meeting was held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) with Dr. Vasa László, the Chief Advisor and Senior Researcher at the Hungarian Institute of International Relations, as well as the Dean of the Doctoral School of Regional and Economic Sciences at the University of Széchenyi István (Győr, Hungary).

From UWED, the meeting was attended by Akram Umarov, the First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and Durbek Amanov, the Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS).

During the negotiations, Professor Vasa László confirmed his readiness for further academic and scientific cooperation, particularly in terms of inviting UWED students to the master’s and doctoral programs at the University of István Széchenyi. Additionally, he suggested expanding the framework for academic exchange and initiating joint projects, which, as the guest emphasized, would open new prospects for the scientific and educational activities of students and faculty from both institutions.

Vice-Rector Akram Umarov expressed strong interest in the development of exchange programs for PhD students, including the provision of short-term scholarships for conducting research in Hungary. During the discussion, he also proposed organizing an online workshop in September of this year dedicated to relations between Hungary and Central Asian countries.

Both sides expressed their intention to continue cooperation, deepen the partnership, and engage in joint scientific publications. They also emphasized their shared interest in developing research programs focused on studying socio-economic processes in the regions of Central Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.

As part of his visit, Professor Vasa László also delivered a public lecture for UWED students on the topic “Connectivity as a New Foreign Policy Approach: The Case of Hungary”. At the end of the lecture, an active Q&A session took place, during which students showed great interest in the topic and had the opportunity to discuss current aspects of Hungary’s foreign policy.