On October 25, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova had the honor of hosting the first official visit from Her Excellency Dominique WAAG, the Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova. Choosing UTM as her first stop, just two months into her tenure, underscores France’s commitment to fostering academic partnerships between the two nations—an essential step toward advancing educational excellence and strengthening international relations.
Ambassador WAAG was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including Emmanuel SKOULIOS, President of the France-Moldova Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Director of the French Alliance in Moldova, and Jean-Claude MILLION, a professor at IUT Louis Pasteur, UNISTRA, and a well-regarded entrepreneur and expert in entrepreneurship. They were welcomed by the university leadership, led by Rector Professor Viorel BOSTAN, along with Dr. Daniela POJAR, Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations, and Associate Professor Dr. Nina PUȚUNTEAN, Head of the International Relations Service and Francophone project coordinator.
During the meeting, Rector Viorel BOSTAN highlighted the significant contributions UTM and French universities have made to education through successful joint projects with prestigious institutions such as the University of Strasbourg and the France-Moldova Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These partnerships are critical in providing students and faculty with access to high-quality Francophone study programs, international exchanges, and professional development opportunities, thereby strengthening UTM’s global competitiveness.
Ambassador Dominique WAAG commended UTM for its impressive achievements and expressed her willingness to support the expansion of educational partnerships through grants, exchange programs, and equipping university laboratories with state-of-the-art technology. These initiatives aim to make Francophone programs more attractive to students and better aligned with current job market demands.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to long-term collaboration between UTM and the French Embassy. Both parties are dedicated to developing new academic and social projects to support the adaptation of educational systems to the digital and ecological transitions. As the Republic of Moldova integrates into the European Higher Education Area, UTM continues to align its programs with European standards, contributing to the modernization of higher education in Moldova.
The Ambassador’s visit marks an important step in strengthening educational and academic ties between Moldova and France, reinforcing UTM’s role as a regional leader in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine education. This collaboration ensures a future-ready education aligned with quality standards and industry needs.
