An academic cooperation protocol was signed between Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Michigan State University in USA.

A signing ceremony was organized for the protocol that aims for progress based on exchanging education, publication and academic information material, researcher, employee and student, conducting joint studies in the field of education and research, and establishing technical collaborations.

President Şeref Ateş on behalf of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Vice President of Administrative Services Satish Udpa on behalf of Michigan State University signed the protocol at the ceremony held at East Lansing campus of Michigan State University.

After the ceremony, Ateş made a press statement and said that they will carry Turkey-US relations further by conducting operations on campuses as part of the agreements with universities as well as opening four offices throughout USA.

Stating that as Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, they have been working on the protocol for over a year, Ateş spoke as follows: "As Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, we do not intend to carry out all the work unaided. We are currently forming a network that will bring together all institutions and organizations related to the subject on the same platform. We also involve all world universities we can potentially collaborate with, and carry out a long-winded operation.”

Ateş emphasized that the agreement signed with Michigan State University is not limited to scientific collaborations.

Explaining that there are many aspects of this protocol, Ateş said: "This protocol signed is the first step in the United States of our efforts to transform the ideas, patents, and scientific studies to a platform that involves Turkey and Turkish scientists. This is why I am very glad."

Ateş said that the operation that brings together the scientific accumulation, academic wealth and breakthrough inventions of the University of Michigan with Turkish people's ability to move and decide quickly, is a great opportunity for both parties.

President Ateş added that Michigan State University has exhibited a very constructive attitude throughout the signing phase of the protocol which signifies that a major field such as Turkish language and culture, cannot be entrusted to "illegal organizations”.

Udpa also described the protocol signed as "the beginning of a great venture."

Noting the protocol has a scientific dimension as well as providing student, faculty member and cultural exchange, Udpa expressed the following: "As Michigan State University, we are looking forward to realize numerous language and culture projects with Turkey and Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.”

The ceremony was attended by the Turkish Consul General in Chicago Umut Acar and Education Attaché İsmail Hakkı Mirici, as well as Turkish and foreign faculty members and students who learn Turkish.