On October 6, 2026, a delegation from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” — one of the leading higher education and research institutions of the Republic of Bulgaria — paid an official visit to the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek.
An official meeting was held between Inom Madjidov, Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan, and an eight-member delegation from Sofia University headed by Professor Madlen Danova, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the transformation of the higher education system in Uzbekistan in line with international standards, the expansion of research and innovation cooperation, and the development of strategic partnerships with leading European universities are among the key priorities of the country’s state policy.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
During the meeting between the leadership and relevant specialists of the two universities, the parties thoroughly discussed ways to take mutually beneficial cooperation in education, science, and culture to a new level:
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Academic Mobility and Educational Programmes: Establishing academic exchange programmes for students, master’s students, doctoral students, and faculty members, as well as organizing research internships and joint lectures;
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Cooperation in the Humanities and Digital Sciences: Implementing joint research projects and organizing international conferences in such areas as philosophy, classical and modern philology, media studies, media pedagogy, information and communication technologies, and the digitalization of education;
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Ecology and Sustainable Development: Developing cooperation with the “Clean & Circle” Competence Centre at Sofia University in the areas of environmental research, water and waste management, the circular economy, and the efficient use of resources;
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Culture and Education: Expanding joint academic and intercultural activities by making extensive use of the opportunities offered by the Abu Nasr al-Farabi Scientific, Educational and Cultural Centre operating at Sofia University.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed
Following the negotiations and discussions, Inom Madjidov, Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, and Eliza Stefanova, Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, signed an official Memorandum of Understanding.
The memorandum will serve as a legal and organizational foundation for long-term academic and research cooperation between the two higher education institutions, as well as for the implementation of joint projects.
For reference: Founded on October 1, 1888, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is Bulgaria’s oldest and a multidisciplinary public higher education and research institution. The university comprises 16 faculties and more than 35 research centres, with over 20,000 students enrolled. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Sofia University is ranked 751–760, while in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, it is placed in the 1501+ range.
