Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) have signed a collaboration protocol aiming to develop, strengthen and encourage relations between the two institutions. The protocol was signed on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at 12:00 p.m. by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, during a signing session held at EMU Rector’s Office.
Present during the signing session were EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, and Rectorate Office Private Secretariat Director Kazım Hakverdi.
Delivering his speech, ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Vehbi thanked EMU for its warm hospitality and highlighted that universities across the globe actively pursue international partnerships. He remarked that cooperation among universities on the island has long been insufficient, adding that EMU has taken a leading role in addressing this gap and initiating meaningful collaboration efforts. Expressing pride in partnering with EMU, the country’s most established university, Prof. Dr. Vehbi noted that ARUCAD looks forward to realizing numerous joint projects in the fields of art, design, and communication.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç remarked that the University has been striving to foster collaboration and strengthen relations with other institutions, describing the protocol signed today as the product of these efforts. Prof. Dr. Kılıç added, “As universities, we all share the same journey. For this reason, it is imperative that we build strong and sustainable collaborations among ourselves. Making meaningful contributions to our goals and to the development of higher education is of utmost importance. ARUCAD stands out as a distinguished institution in the country, particularly in the fields of creative arts and design. We firmly believe that this significant collaboration will yield successful results and valuable initiatives. I extend my best wishes for this partnership to both institutions”.
At the end of the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Vehbi and Prof. Dr. Kılıç exchanged gifts, with Prof. Dr. Kılıç presenting a Cyprus-themed souvenir.