A declaration of cooperation was signed on Tuesday by Artsakh State University and Catholic University of Leuven on Monday.

The document was signed by Artsakh University rector Manush Minasyan in NKR and Rik Torfs in Belgium.

In Stepanakert the Catholic University was represented by honorary rector, professor Bernard Coulie. The ceremony was attended by chairman of NKR National Council Ashot Ghulyan, Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan, member of European Parliament Eleni Theocharous, political adviser to MEP Yannis Charalampidis and head of European office of Armenian Cause Kasbar Karapetian.

“The history of international cooperation of our university is enriched by another page, the signing of the Declaration on Cooperation between Artsakh and Belgian universities to promote scientific and educational development. Currently, there are more than two dozen international treaties, but this is the first contract with the European university, which will enable to expand and carry out activities in this region,” Minasyan said.

For his par,t Bernard Coulie said that the University of Leuven is one of the oldest in the world and one of the few which has a department of Armenian studies with a history of 200 years.

“I am confident that we can cooperate in various fields. Agreement is an opportunity for Artsakh Artsakh University to become recognizable in Europe. The fact that there is Artsakh University, suggests that the republic's authorities attach great importance to education,” professor said.

Eleni Theocharous and Yannis Charalampidis stressed that the best way to get NKR out of isolation is education.

Yannis Charalampidis and Bernard Coulie were awarded the title of professors of the University for outstanding achievements in the field of science and education and the establishment of scientific relations between Artsakh State University and the Catholic University of Leuven.