Skopje, 26 January 2024 (MIA) – The Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM) and the Ministry of Defence signed on Friday a memorandum of cooperation.

This agreement aims to enhance the educational experience for students by providing practical training opportunities. Additionally, the memorandum includes provisions for offering employment recommendations to the most qualified candidates in defence-related fields, introduces scholarships for students specializing in critical areas of study and promotes the military profession among UKIM students.

Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and UKIM’s Rector Biljana Angelova signed the memorandum today.

Petrovska said that the signing of the memorandum brings various benefits for both sides, expressing hopes that its implementation is set to begin in the very near future.

Underlining the pivotal role of education in the overall development of society, she underscored that the memorandum will deepen and enhance the existing strong cooperation between the Defence Ministry and various faculties at UKIM. Furthermore, it will provide a solid foundation for new forms of cooperation that have not been implemented previously.

“The memorandum envisions the possibility for students to acquire practical experience by participating in training at one of the regional centers focused on tackling disinformation and public relations. It is expected that this center will soon be accredited by NATO. Moreover, we are facilitating practical training for students and coordinating various types of professional development for the Ministry of Defence staff,” Petrovska stated following the memorandum’s signing.

Rector Angelova said that the memorandum opens up a vast field of collaboration, allowing UKIM to have a more considerable societal impact and the opportunity to showcase its best talents. As she stated, it underscores the university's commitment to securing employment opportunities for its students and providing them with promising prospects in the country.

“UKIM is the oldest and largest university in the country, covering all scientific fields. Our available capacities and resources can contribute to the development of defence and fulfill the requirements of the Ministry of Defence. On the flip side, what the Ministry of Defence provides us, including internships for our students and employment opportunities for the most outstanding students from various scientific disciplines, considering the broad spectrum of activities within the Ministry, opens up possibilities for participating in scientific conferences, seminars, and training centers for our staff and students,” the Rector Angelova said.

Photo: MIA