On Tuesday, October 31, 2017, a meeting was held between Prof. Dr. Rifat Skrijelj, UNSA Rector and Prof. Dr. Pasquale Mammone, University of Artois Rector (France). The meeting was also attended by representatives of the University of Artois: Dr. Ahmed El Kaladi, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Ms. Georgeta Breaban, Head of the International Cooperation Service, and representatives of the University of Sarajevo: Doz. Dr. Ksenija Kondali, Vice-Dean for International Cooperation, Faculty of Philosophy and Dr. Jasna Bosnjovic, Head of the UNSA International Cooperation Office. The Artois University delegation is staying in Sarajevo for the participation at the French University Fair held on at the Faculty of Economics on 30 October and organized by the Embassy of France in BiH in cooperation with the University of Sarajevo.

Rector Prof. Skrijelj presented UNSA’s international cooperation and mentioned the successful cooperation with French universities. Rector Skrijelj also referred to the Cotutelle program, and stated that every year, through the French Government's program, two doctoral candidates receive a joint degree at one of the French universities.

Rector Mammone presented the University of Artois stressing that it is located in the city of Arras and founded 25 years ago. The University of Artois has a student population of nearly 11,000 students within its five campuses. This university offers a wide range of studies, from two years undergraduate to doctoral studies in the following areas: literature, foreign languages, law, economics, management, humanities, social sciences, natural-mathematical sciences, technologies, health studies. University of Artois offers great potential for research and development of advanced research programs within its 16 research centers.

It was emphasized that the University of Sarajevo is cooperating with the University of Artois through the Faculty of Philosophy and its departments, in particular the Department of Romance and the Department of History. During the talks, the importance of promoting and strengthening interuniversity cooperation was emphasized, as well as the possibilities for its intensification, especially when it comes to student and teacher exchange, cooperation through joint projects, launching new study programs, and the realization of joint doctoral studies in the field of history and heritage, but and natural-mathematical and informatics sciences.