On February 11, an online meeting was held between representatives of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, leading universities of the country and the University of St Andrews. The Turkmen side was attended by employees of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education, representatives of the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for the Humanities and Development, as well as the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UK. The British side was represented by Professor Matteo Fumagalli and Professor Filippo Costa Buranelli from the Faculty of International Relations of the University of St Andrews, who are responsible for international cooperation.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the prospects of academic cooperation between higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan and the University of St Andrews. The parties expressed mutual interest in academic cooperation, identified key areas of partnership and outlined steps to implement joint projects. During the dialogue, issues of developing educational programs, online courses, the possibility of implementing exchange programs for students and teachers, joint research and publications, as well as the development of educational initiatives and participation in international academic events were considered. The Turkmen delegation presented priority directions for the development of higher education in the country, and representatives of the University of St Andrews confirmed their readiness to develop bilateral relations and academic exchange.

The University of St Andrews, located in Scotland, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK and the world. It consistently ranks in the top 5 universities in the UK according to academic rankings such as The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and The Complete University Guide. The university is famous for its strong faculties, especially in history, philosophy, economics, mathematics and earth sciences. Interestingly, the University of St Andrews became the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton met - both members of the British royal family studied at this university.

ORIENT