A delegation from the University of Szeged, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration visited the Republic of Armenia from October 22 to 31, 2025, as part of an institutional mission to enhance academic collaboration in the fields of economics, business, tourism studies, and to foster cultural understanding between higher education institutions.

The delegation was composed of Dr. Benedek Nagy, Dean of the Faculty; Prof. Dr. Bertalan Pusztai, Programme Director of the Tourism and Catering Bachelor’s Programme; Dr. Ildikó Pusztai-Varga, Director of International Affairs; and Laura Mkrtchyan, student representative.

Official Meetings and Academic Partnerships

The program began with a series of high-level meetings at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia (MoESCS). The delegation was received by Mr. Arkadi Papoyan, Head of the Foreign Relations and Diaspora Department and Ms. Meri Badalyan, and representatives of the PR Department. Discussions focused on strengthening educational links and exploring joint initiatives in the fields of higher education and research.

At Yerevan State University, the delegation met Mr. Karlen Khachatryan, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management and Professor Grigor Hayrapetyan, Representative of International Relations. The parties exchanged views on potential cooperation.

Further engagements took place at the Armenian State University of Economics, where Ms. Lusine Danielyan, Director of the Department of Internationalization, Development and Cooperation hosted the delegation, Ms. Maria Sahakyan, Chair of Business Administration, Faculty of Marketing and Business Organization and other colleagues, who presented the university’s ongoing international projects and expressed interest in developing new academic partnerships.

On October 27, the delegation visited the American University of Armenia, where they were welcomed by Dr. Vache Gabrielyan, Dean of the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics, and Ms. Zarmine Zeytuntsyan, Director of the Graduate Certificate Program in Hotel and Hospitality Management. Discussions centered on possibilities for collaboration in business education, tourism studies and hospitality management.

The official program concluded with a visit to the Matena International School of Leadership and Professional Development. Mr. Tigran Mnatsakanyan, Academic Director introduced Matena’s professional training initiatives and explored future cooperation opportunities.

Discovering Armenia’s Cultural Heritage

In addition to the official meetings, the delegation had the opportunity to experience Armenia’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The program included visits to Tsitsernakaberd – Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and the Genocide Museum in Yerevan, as well as excursions to the Temple of Garni – 1^st century AD temple, Noratus Cemetery - a medieval cemetery with many early khachkars (carved memorial stones) with oldest khachkars leading to the 10^th century, which UNESCO listed as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" together with Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Zvartnots Cathedral – medieval Armenian cathedral of the seventh century now lying in ruins and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral – the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

These visits provided valuable cultural context and deepened the delegation’s appreciation of Armenia’s ancient history, architectural treasures, and enduring traditions.

A Foundation for Future Cooperation

The visit to Armenia served as a significant step toward strengthening educational ties and promoting intercultural dialogue between the University of Szeged, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and Armenian partner institutions. The discussions and shared experiences laid the groundwork for future academic collaboration, student exchange programs, and joint research initiatives, reinforcing the commitment of both sides to long-term partnership and mutual development.