Ontario universities, Minister head to Turkey to strengthen international partnerships

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Seven Ontario universities and the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) are embarking on a relationship-building mission to Turkey to forge new partnerships in research and academic programs, and to strengthen existing ones.

"Expanding international relationships with universities in other countries is a key priority for Ontario institutions," says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of COU, who is leading the delegation.

"Whether research collaborations, or opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, the increasing internationalization of Ontario's universities is central to boosting the province's competitive advantage and global leadership."

The 10-person delegation arrives in Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday, Dec. 2, for two-day meetings in Ankara and Istanbul, which include introductions to representatives from at least 10 Turkish universities, research councils and government. 

Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation, will join the delegation in Ankara, the Turkish capital, and also give a keynote speech in Istanbul at a meeting the group will have with Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board.

"In an increasingly globalized world, the connections we make between Turkey and our province will support the success of our academic and research communities," said Minister Moridi.

"These collaborations will lead to greater economic growth and job creation both in Turkey and right here in Ontario."

Four university presidents are part of the delegation – Feridun Hamdullahpur from the University of Waterloo, Tim McTiernan from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Mamdouh Shoukri from York University, and Alan Wildeman from the University of Windsor.

Peter Mascher, Associate Vice-President International Affairs, McMaster University; Julie McMullin, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President International, Western University; and Andre Plourde, Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs, Carleton University, will attend on behalf of their presidents. Nello Angerilli, Associate Vice-President, International at the University of Waterloo, will also participate.

Quick Facts:

• International students on campus contribute significantly to excellence in education and research and enhance the university experience for all students.
• More than 43,000 international students study at Ontario's universities – at 40 per cent, the largest proportion of international students in Canada.
• International students contribute nearly $3 billion annually to Ontario's economy.

COU is a membership organization of 21 publicly assisted universities in Ontario. It works closely with the provincial and federal governments to shape public policies that help universities deliver high-quality programs for students and advance the research and innovation that improves the social, cultural and economic well-being of Ontarians.

Follow us on Facebook ǀ Follow us on Twitter ǀ Visit our website

SOURCE: Council of Ontario Universities

Wendy McCann, Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, 416-979-2165 x233, 647-271-0825 (cell), Email Wendy McCann