University of Kyrenia has been admitted to the membership of the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB), which aims to enhance cooperation in higher education across the Turkic world, during the 8th General Assembly Meeting held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

At the General Assembly Meeting, new membership applications to TURKUNIB were reviewed, and key issues were discussed regarding the strengthening of the Union’s institutional structure and the further development of the Orhun Exchange Program. In addition, it was decided to establish a permanent secretariat and a dedicated fund for both TURKUNIB and the Orhun Exchange Program. A briefing was also delivered by Hungary on activities conducted within the scope of the Orhun Exchange Program and the Organization of Turkic States Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDI Fund).

During the General Assembly, the results of the 2024–2025 “TurkBarometer” research conducted by the Turkic Academy were presented to the participants. Participants exchanged views on the institutionalization of the Orhun Exchange Program, the enhancement of academic mobility, and the establishment of a sustainable higher education cooperation network across the Turkic world.
Commenting on University Of Kyrenia’s membership in TURKUNIB, Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu stated:

“We are proud and honored to become a member of the Union of Turkic Universities. This platform provides an important framework for cooperation that promotes knowledge sharing, academic solidarity, and joint projects. We aim to build stronger partnerships with universities across the Turkic world by developing joint research initiatives and expanding student and academic staff exchange programs. Furthermore, we seek to take an active role in symposia, conferences, and cultural events.”