The State University of Moldova (USM) and the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of Lisbon signed an agreement of academic, scientific and cultural cooperation in order to stimulate bilateral cooperation between the institutions. The initiative forms part of the “Moldova, a Close Country” Project whereby the Embassy of Moldova in Portugal aims to promote activities to make Moldova known in this country, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the Embassy. The agreement defines the cooperation forms between the two institutions, which agreed to support academic cooperation in scientific areas, intensify the cultural and academic relations and develop the exchange of academic and non-academic information and materials in areas of common interest. The institutions also intend to promote teaching and research in areas of common interest, to develop exchange of students and teachers, to promote curricular development and to implement joint research projects. The document contains clauses concerning the mobility of students and teachers at the two institutions. The agreement on behalf of Moldova was signed by Moldovan Ambassador to Portugal Valeriu Turea, while on behalf of Portugal by the institute’s rector João Abreu de Faria Bilhim. During the signing ceremony, Valeriu Turea said the negotiation and signing of the agreement can serve as a model of efficient and responsible approach to the bilateral Moldovan-Portuguese cooperation. It is now important to switch to the implementation of the document. The ambassador handed over the invitation to take part in the festivities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the foundation of the USM on behalf of rector Gheorghe Ciocanu to João Abreu de Faria Bilhim. The celebrations will take place in autumn and will represent an occasion for examining bilateral cooperation projects.