Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" has signed an agreement with ASOMI College of Sciences, which operates in Malta and Italy, the university said. The deal allows for joint programmes, medical training and double degrees.

The university's rector, Prof. Sotir Sotirov, and ASOMI College of Sciences president and chief executive Prof. Dario Silvestri signed the document on 10 October in Valletta, during an official visit to Malta.

ASOMI College of Sciences is an international educational institution. The two institutions can run joint programmes in medicine, communication and computer engineering, and chemical technology. Students will be able to get a double degree if they meet academic and legal requirements.

The Burgas delegation also included Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov, Prof. Vladimir Gonchev and Prof. Rumyana Yankova. Gonchev and Yankova are members of parliament. The guests toured the college's medical teaching facilities and saw the conditions in which students study theory and train in practice.

At the meeting with Prof. Silvestri, the two sides discussed how to develop clinical training and which joint academic projects to launch.

"By signing this agreement, we are taking an important step towards establishing Burgas State University as a recognised European centre for education and research," said Prof. Sotirov. He said the aim is for students to get a quality education, for universities to exchange knowledge and to train highly qualified specialists.

The university calls the partnership another step in its international development. It says the deal opens up new opportunities for students and teachers.