Historical session of the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RK BiH/RZ BiH/RK BiH) and the Rectors' Assembly of the Republic of Croatia

The first joint session of the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RK BiH/RZ BiH/RK BiH) and the Rectors' Assembly of the Republic of Croatia was held as part of the event Dies Academicus 2021 University of Mostar as host. Starting from a mutual, common and uniquely expressed desire to improve mutual cooperation and relying on the Zagreb Declaration of the Council of the European Union, adopted in 2020 during the presidency of the Republic of Croatia, which declares support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, the members of the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Herzegovina/Rector's Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RK BiH/RZ BiH/RK BiH) and the Rectors' Association of the Republic of Croatia signed an Agreement on understanding and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Cooperation is primarily expected in the scientific, educational and other areas of activity of the academic community, represented at all public universities, that is, the universities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RK BiH/RZ BiH/RK BiH) by the rector of the University of Zenica, prof. Ph.D. Jusuf Duraković, president of the Rectors' Association of the Republic of Croatia, prof. Ph.D. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, rector of the University of Rijeka. The signatories of the Agreement agree to mutual visits, study trips and consultations of teachers and scientists of all public universities, for mutual exchange of experiences in the scientific-teaching process and for mutual cooperation at scientific gatherings, symposia and conferences and their organization. Mutual cooperation on research and professional projects financed from EU funds and mutual cooperation on the improvement of inclusive regional cooperation, good neighborly relations and strengthening of European values are also part of the Agreement.

Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in removing obstacles to access to higher education, creating additional opportunities for young people and stopping increased emigration of young people, and implementing higher education reform in order to fulfill the assumptions for active and full participation in the single European educational area. The mobility (exchange) of teachers, students and non-teaching staff and the exchange of publications (university/university textbooks, teaching materials, professional literature and university/university newspapers) and other scientific information are part of the Agreement signed in Mostar. The Agreement was signed for a period of two years, after which it is automatically renewed for a further two-year period, unless one of the signatories of this Agreement wishes to terminate it with a notice sent six months in advance. The responsible persons are the presidents of the Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Rectors' Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RK BiH/RZ BiH/RK BiH) and the Rectors' Assembly of the Republic of Croatia, since they are elected for one calendar, i.e. academic year.

The session discussed the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for the system of higher education and science in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia, which has changed the way all universities and colleges function, and despite a certain return to classical teaching, it has brought with it permanent changes, but also challenges that it is necessary to respond with this type of cooperation.

Rector of the University of Zenica, Prof. Ph.D. Jusuf Duraković said: "As the rector of the University of Zenica, and at the same time the president of the Rectors' Conference/Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I congratulate the 44th anniversary of the existence and operation of the University of Mostar to all its students and employees and emphasize the importance of the successful cooperation between the University of Zenica and the University of Mostar , as well as the importance of such events for the entire academic community in these areas.

On the initiative of the University of Mostar, and in order to improve and ensure better cooperation between public universities/universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and universities in the Republic of Croatia, the First Session of the Rector's Conference/Board of BiH and the Rector's Board of the Republic of Croatia was organized. The session discussed some of the key problems facing universities today, such as the reduction in the number of students, maintaining the quality and continuity of teaching in the conditions of the effects of COVID-19, and the importance of implementing the Zagreb Declaration of the European Council for the Development of Universities in Bosnia. and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia.

I would like to point out that the Agreement on understanding and mutual cooperation in all areas of mutual interest was signed, especially in the field of scientific and research work, exchange of teachers and experts and implementation of joint projects. Certainly, such cooperation should be extended to other universities from Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania."