Cooperation event between „Nicolae Testemitanu” University and Shinshu University of Japan

Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova and Shinshu University in Japan will strengthen their cooperation relations in the field of higher medical education. This was mentioned during an online meeting between university representatives and ambassadors of the two countries, which took place today, 8 April.

The meeting was opened by the rector of Shinshu University, Professor Soichiro Nakamura, who welcomed the high-ranking guests present at the event. He highlighted the importance of the meeting for both higher education institutions, which marked a new stage of collaboration.

In his speech, rector of Nicolae Testemitanu University Professor Emil Ceban mentioned that this meeting was an important step in strengthening cooperation relations, which were initiated long ago in the neurosurgery area. "At this time, it is essential to develop relations in a wider range of medicine and pharmacy areas, already having experience and knowing exactly the needs and possibilities of both institutions. For Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the experience, values, ​​and culture of Shinshu University represent an eloquent example of institutional activity", specified Rector Ceban. 

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova, His Excellency Yoshihiro Katayama, has mentioned that the event takes place in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Moldovan-Japanese diplomatic relations. In his opinion, the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and Japan is becoming stronger, with many possibilities still unexplored. As for the cooperation between universities, the diplomat has welcomed the intentions of collaboration and deepening relations, which will contribute to the development of higher medical education, the exchange of good practices in the field and the improvement of the quality of medical treatment provided to the population of both countries. At the same time, the Ambassador of Japan stressed that more effort was needed in this regard and wished the representatives of the two institutions success and productive cooperation.

His Excellency Dumitru Socolan, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Japan, emphasized that this partnership was a platform for future cooperation between our countries. This collaboration would not be possible without the efforts of neurosurgeons who found common language despite cultural differences. The diplomat stressed that future generations would benefit enormously from the collaboration established between Nicolae Testemitanu University and Shinshu University.

Professor Grigore Zapuhlih, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Nicolae Testemitanu University, Corresponding Member of the Japanese Society of Neurosurgery and Promoter of Moldovan-Japanese Cooperation Relations, gave a presentation on the development of neurosurgery in the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing that Professor Kazuhiro Hongo was a world-leading neuroscientist. Professor Zapuhlîh also highlighted his contribution to the training of young neurosurgeons, as many of them became well-known personalities in the field.

Professor Emeritus Kazuhiro Hongo, a neurosurgeon at Shinshu University, recalled some details from the history of his collaboration with our university's Department of Neurosurgery namely with Professor Grigore Zapuhlih, who in 2007 initiated the Second International Neurosurgical Winter Meeting Zermatt project. This project constituted the basis for the initiation of Moldovan Japanese collaboration. Thus, in the period 2007-2010, the two neurosurgeons from both countries undertook mutual visits during various conferences and seminars.

At the end of his speech, Professor Hongo has pointed out that new collaborations focused on innovative methods of treating patients and joint surgeries will follow, as well as active participation in all study and research activities for students and scientists of the two universities.