On 26 March, His Excellency Ambassador of the Italian Republic Mr Stefano Maria Taliani de Marchio held a meeting with the Deputy Rector for International Academic Cooperation and Studies of Riga Technical University, Mr Igors Tipāns, and Project Manager of International Cooperation and Foreign Students Department (ICFSD), Mr Ēriks Badamšins. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the current cooperation with higher education institutions in Italy and outline future development of this cooperation.

During the meeting, among the issues under consideration, significant importance was given to the possible establishment of Italian language courses at RTU, which would take place with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. The aim of establishing these courses is to provide RTU students and staff the opportunity to learn Italian language and elements of culture associated with it. The desirable outcome of implementing this initiative is to increase interest in Italy as an Erasmus+ destination for exchange studies and staff visits, as well as to amplify the brand of Italy as a reliable ally from the standpoint of implementing joint scientific projects and organizing cultural events.

The meeting was concluded by Mr I. Tipāns extending an invitation to the Ambassador to visit RTU Ķīpsala campus in order to acquire a visual insight into the infrastructure development process and the technical supply of the university that is used for the provision of the study process and implementation of international research projects.

RTU has signed 25 agreements with higher education institutions in Italy and the active cooperation has resulted in an increased number of students – 51 students from Italy enrolled at RTU during the 2019/2020 academic year.