Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) has signed three separate collaboration protocols on diplomacy, energy law and Energy Disputes Arbitration Center, with participation of Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova, who served as a Member of Parliament during the 19th, 20th, and 21st terms of the Republic of Türkiye, as Minister of State from 1999 to 2001, and as Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye between 2001 and 2002. The signing ceremony of the protocols took place on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at EMU Rector’s Office building.
Present during the signing ceremony were Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova, Board of Trustees (VYK) President Şemi Bora, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici and, Acting Dean of Faculty of Law Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba.
The first of the protocols signed is established between EMU and the Africa Diplomacy Academy. Within the scope of this protocol, an ‘International and Comparative Studies Center’ will be established with the aim of strengthening cooperation in education and research in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. Through this center, it is intended to promote academic research on the cultural, economic, and social relations between Africa, the Mediterranean region, and other parts of the world, while also enhancing the capacities of students and researchers. In addition, the protocol envisions the development of joint degree and certificate programs, the organization of international seminars and conferences, the creation of a digital campus model, and the enhancement of the global academic visibility of both institutions.
The second protocol signed as part of the visit is conducted between EMU and Energy Law Research Institute. Through the signed protocol, it is aimed to enhance educational activities, strengthen the professional knowledge and skills of students and academic staff, develop joint training programs, and establish a framework for sustainable academic cooperation between the two institutions.
Another significant cooperation agreement was signed between EMU and the Energy Disputes Arbitration Center (EDAC), focusing on education and academic collaboration in the fields of energy law and arbitration. Through this protocol, the parties aim to enhance educational initiatives related to energy law and the arbitration-based resolution of energy-related disputes, strengthen the professional competencies of students and academic staff, develop joint training programs, and establish a sustainable platform for long-term academic cooperation.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that an important and strategic initiative has been implemented in line with the university’s internationalization policy. He stated that this initiative is considered highly valuable in terms of supporting the university’s development and enhancing its international visibility and impact. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also noted that the establishment of a center within the framework of energy disputes represents one of the key steps taken in this process. Highlighting the university’s strong sense of responsibility, he underlined that EMU continues to diligently fulfill its duties not only in education and research, but also in community service and in promoting both the country and the university at national and international levels. Prof. Dr. Kılıç added that the protocols signed will initiate concrete actions, describing the collaboration as a qualified and original step that strengthens the academic structure and is expected to make significant contributions to both the country and the international academic community.
In this remarks on the topic, VYK President Şemi Bora noted that EMU, established in 1979, is a well-established and respected higher education institution that today attracts students from various parts of the world through its deep-rooted academic tradition, global outlook, and strong intellectual capacity. He stressed that the collaboration agreement signed constitutes a key component of the university’s internationalization strategy, adding that the center to be established and the joint educational initiatives to be carried out will play an important role in training qualified professionals in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. Emphasizing his confidence in a long-term and efficient partnership based on mutual trust, Bora expressed his hope that the agreement would prove beneficial for both parties.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova thanked Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and the university administration, noting his appreciation for the consistently welcoming approach and strong support shown to him and his team. He stated that he has served for 18 years as World Vice President of the African Diplomatic Academy, headquartered in Senegal, which he described as a highly reputable organization with representation in 54 African countries and 115 countries worldwide. Drawing attention to the increasingly unstable nature of contemporary international relations, Prof. Dr. Yalova emphasized the growing importance of the emerging global order and international law. He further remarked that he closely monitors EMU’s global progress and observed that the university effectively translates its vision into tangible outcomes through the cooperation agreements and partnerships it establishes. During the protocol signing ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented Prof. Dr. Yalova with a commemorative plaque in appreciation of his contributions.
