Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Expand Strategic Cooperation in Higher Education, Science, and Innovation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 November, a meeting was held in Tashkent between the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Bayramgul Orazdurdiyeva.

The negotiations focused on expanding strategic partnership in the fields of education, science, and technological development.

The parties discussed prospects for faculty and student exchanges, short-term internships, and increasing the number of joint projects within European programs, including Erasmus+.

Special attention was given to the creation of joint educational programs, including dual-degree programs in agriculture.

Another key topic of discussion was the preparation for hosting the WorldSkills 2026 international championship in Uzbekistan. Representatives of both countries expressed interest in combining efforts to ensure the successful organization of the event and to exchange expertise in vocational education.

Sharipov and Orazdurdiyeva also explored opportunities for developing joint scientific projects in agriculture, irrigation, desert land reclamation, green energy, water resource management, information technology, and artificial intelligence.

It was noted that expanding academic mobility, cooperating between technology parks, and implementing new educational programs will be important steps in strengthening bilateral engagement.

Orazdurdiyeva emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are developing on the basis of friendship and mutual trust, and expressed support for initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation in education and science.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to establish a joint working group and to prepare a “roadmap” for cooperation for 2025–2026.