Uzbekistan and Türkiye Strengthen Cooperation in Higher Education, Science, and Innovation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 28 January 2026, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kungurotboy Sharipov, met with the Chairman of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Türkiye, Erol Özvar, as well as other senior representatives of higher education, science, and innovation sectors from Uzbekistan.

At the outset of the talks, both sides emphasized that Uzbek–Turkish relations in recent years have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, with cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation developing steadily and dynamically.

Special attention was given to the upcoming official visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Türkiye on 29 January, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The visit is expected to provide a new impetus to bilateral cooperation, including in education and scientific innovation, and elevate it to a qualitatively new level.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed the existing legal frameworks for cooperation, including the intergovernmental agreement on collaboration in scientific potential, engineering developments, and high technologies, as well as the practical implementation of memoranda of understanding signed between the relevant agencies of the two countries.

The outcomes of Uzbek–Turkish educational forums held between 2022 and 2024 in İzmir, Samarkand, and Istanbul were analyzed, along with the results of partnerships established between universities during these events. Particular attention was paid to joint educational programs, achieved milestones, and prospects for further expansion of this cooperation.

The creation of the International University of Turkic States was also a focal point of discussion. Practical steps for its implementation were addressed, including recruitment of academic staff, expanded use of electronic educational resources, and Türkiye’s role in ensuring the full launch of the university’s operations.

Additionally, participants exchanged views on the establishment of a branch of the Yunus Emre Institute cultural center at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature. It was noted that this project will further strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation in higher education, expand joint educational and scientific projects, and ensure effective implementation of previously initiated initiatives.