Along with his delegation, M. Cihat Lokmanoğlu, the Chairman of Mersin Chamber of Shipping, which is one of the two chambers of shipping in Turkey, paid a visit of cooperation to the Near East Institute.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press & Public Relations Office of NEU (Near East University Nicosia, Cyprus), within the frame of the visit, the delegation of Mersin Chamber of Shipping along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umut Koldaş, the Director of Near East Institute (NEI), and Erhan Ayaz, the Deputy Director of NEI, paid a visit to Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, TRNC Minister of Transportation, and Fikri Toros, President of Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, in their offices.

Highlighting that the visit was very fruitful, Near East Institute Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umut koldaş explained his ideas regarding the issue. “Having been established two years ago to conduct local, regional and global studies on both theoretical and practical applications as well as to carry out educational activities with an interdisciplinary approach, the Near East Institute has involved in very significant research studies including projects aimed at ensuring the development of maritime. Since our country and Mersin are situated in Mediterranean and sharing the same sea, evaluation of the possibilities of cooperation between Mersin Chamber of Shipping and the Near East Institute will be very beneficial for Mersin and TRNC. Aiming at shaping the future of maritime in the light of scientific methods and data through interaction with its people, the Near East University and the University of Kyrenia realize worldwide social responsibility projects every year in order to lay a claim on the cultural and maritime heritage of Cyprus and convey the Mediterranean cultural heritage to the new generations by preserving, sharing and reproducing it. To be in cooperation and coordination with prestigious institutions and organizations is very important in realizing these goals. In this context, we felt great happiness of welcoming Cihat Lokmanoğlu, the Chairman of Mersin Chamber of Shipping, and the precious board members. The meeting that we held with the delegation of the Mersin Chamber of Shipping and the visits to the Ministry of Transportation and Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce were very fruitful. Within the coming period, we along with MCS will realize very comprehensive and important activities for both Mersin and TRNC. After completing the required paperwork, we will announce a few of the projects that we have agreed on” said he.

Cihat Lokmanoğlu, the Chairman of Mersin Chamber of Shipping, also delivered a speech regarding the visit. “Eastern Mediterranean is a region that we share together. Near East University is amongst the most outstanding and top educational institutions located in this region. Particularly the investments made on maritime for years and the newly established University of Kyrenia are indicators showing how valuable institution the Near East University is in the field of maritime that requires to be kept abreast carefully. As one of the two chambers of shipping in Turkey, we share the happiness of having a meeting and holding talks towards strengthening ties between Mersin and Northern Cyprus by generating scientific and solution-oriented projects in the line with the needs of maritime industry” said he.

The Near East Institute of NEU and Mersin Chamber of Shipping have concluded to sign a protocol of cooperation. The parties aim to realize short, medium and long-term projects in the field of science, economics, arts and education within the frame of the protocol.