Today in Ashgabat, a meeting took place between the Chairman of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Abdullah Eren, and the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in the field of education and identified new directions for its deepening.

Abdullah Eren, who is in Turkmenistan on a visit, emphasized the significance of the strong historical and cultural ties between the two brotherly countries and expressed readiness for further strengthening the partnership in the area of training qualified personnel. He noted that currently, Turkmen students who have received scholarships under the Türkiye Bursları program are studying at leading state universities in Turkiye. There are 122 state higher education institutions in the country, and each of them is open to talented youth from Turkmenistan. In addition to tuition, scholarship recipients are provided with free accommodation in university dormitories.

During the meeting, Mr. Eren put forward a number of initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral educational interaction.

Internships and Exchange of Experience in the Field of Medicine

One of the key proposals was the annual dispatch of a group of medical students from Turkmen universities to Turkey for additional training and internships. This will allow future doctors to expand their knowledge, familiarize themselves with advanced medical technologies and methods used in the Turkish healthcare system, and establish academic ties with relevant universities.

Professional Development for Specialists

Eren paid particular attention to the professional growth of specialists working in state institutions of Turkmenistan. He proposed creating a system of targeted training, within which Turkmen civil servants could take advanced training courses or continue their education in postgraduate studies at Turkish universities.

Summer Schools for Turkmen Students

Another important initiative was the proposal to hold a summer school in Turkey for university students from Turkmenistan. Within the framework of such programs, students will not only be able to deepen their knowledge in their professional field but also familiarize themselves with Turkish culture and traditions, which will further contribute to the rapprochement of peoples.

Cooperation in the Field of Diplomacy

Mr. Eren also expressed interest in establishing partnerships with the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Within the framework of interaction, Turkmen students studying international relations and diplomacy will be able to participate in educational programs and seminars held in Turkey.

In turn, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, noted that a strong legal framework for cooperation in the educational sphere has been formed between the two countries. In particular, he recalled the "Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education" signed in August 2014, which brought bilateral relations to a new level.

"In order to develop multifaceted cooperation with foreign partners and widely introduce best practices into the education system, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan holds an annual international scientific conference and exhibition, which has already become a good tradition," the Minister noted. He invited Mr. Eren to participate in these events, which will be held in the first half of October 2025 in Ashgabat, as an honored guest.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Turkmen side expressed hope for the continued systematic provision of scholarships under the Türkiye Bursları program for citizens of Turkmenistan. Key priority areas were proposed, such as: information technology, healthcare and medical sciences, education and pedagogy, agriculture, engineering and technical sciences, mathematics and natural sciences.

Both sides reaffirmed their readiness for active and coordinated cooperation in the interests of future generations, strengthening cultural and academic ties, and developing a sustainable educational platform between Turkmenistan and Turkiye. Also, as part of his visit to Ashgabat, Abdullah Eren visited universities in Turkmenistan.

Earlier, we reported that from 2025, even more Turkmen students will be able to study in Turkiye for free.

ORIENT news