Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF) has strategically positioned itself to expand its international engagement beyond the European Union framework through the Erasmus+ KA171 programme. A salient illustration of this endeavor is the progressive and deepening academic collaboration with Aleksandër Moisiu University (UAMD) in Durrës, Albania, which has become a pivotal institutional partner within the Southeastern European academic milieu.

In June 2025, a delegation from UKF, led by Associate Professor Martina Pavlíková, PhD, MBA, Vice-Rector for International Relations, undertook an official working visit to UAMD. The primary objectives of this mission encompassed the reinforcement of bilateral institutional cooperation, the exchange of best practices in higher education pedagogy and administration, and the exploration of enhanced frameworks for student and staff mobility.

 

The UKF delegation received a formal welcome from UAMD’s current leadership, including Rector Professor Dr. Shkëlqim Fortuzi and Vice-Rector for Research and Science Associate Professor Dr. Azeta Tartaraj. Both leaders articulated a clear strategic vision to broaden and intensify collaborative ventures. While prior partnerships predominantly focused on foreign language education, the current leadership has expanded the scope of cooperation to encompass interdisciplinary initiatives spanning the natural and social sciences. The discussions culminated in commitments to promote joint research endeavours, develop comprehensive mobility schemes, and foster innovative modalities of international academic exchange.

The delegation included distinguished academics and administrators such as Professor ThDr. PaedDr. Roman Králik, ThD., MBA, Ing. Martina Gregušová, MBA, Dr. Veronika Piscová, PhD., alongside four student delegates. The latter not only contributed substantively to academic discourse but also played an instrumental role in documenting and disseminating their mobility experiences through digital media, thereby enriching the experiential learning environment and facilitating peer engagement.

 

The visit featured a comprehensive programme integrating academic dialogues, collaborative workshops, and cultural activities aimed at consolidating institutional partnerships and advancing the internationalisation agenda of both universities.

This international collaboration was originally initiated during a diplomatic meeting between H.E. Mrs. Enkeleda Merkuri, former Ambassador of Albania to Slovakia, and the Vice-Rector of UKF. Madam Ambassador  highlighted the potential for institutional cooperation and emphasized existing academic contacts, particularly with Professor Azeta Tartaraj.

 

The formalisation and expansion of this partnership concretely contribute to the realisation of UKF’s long-term strategic objectives regarding internationalisation, as delineated in its institutional development plan. This collaboration exemplifies UKF’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in global higher education by fostering inter-institutional networks, promoting interdisciplinary research, and innovating mobility programmes. These efforts collectively enhance the academic quality and research capacity of UKF, reaffirming its status as a proactive and trusted partner in international academia.

Nationally, UKF continues to cultivate an identity as a modern, inclusive institution that bridges diverse cultures and academic disciplines, thereby contributing meaningfully to the formation of a globally competent, ethically grounded, and intellectually versatile generation of scholars and professionals.

 

Text: R – International Relations Office
Foto: Archive of Associate Professor Martina Pavlíková, PhD, MB

 

Published: June 27, 2025