From May 11 to May 14, a professor from the PETRONAS University of Technology conducted an online training session for students and young lecturers of the geology faculty at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. Participants of the “Black Gold” session were introduced to modern technologies and methods of oil and gas extraction, and also gained practical knowledge about the latest industry innovations. Upon completion of the training, they will be awarded PETRONAS certificates. Cooperation between the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, PETRONAS Charigali (Turkmenistan), and PETRONAS University of Technology has been successfully developing for several years, covering educational and scientific projects. Online courses, training sessions, and summer internships for students and lecturers are regularly organized. Within the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding, the parties plan further joint programs, including courses on oil and gas topics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and processing using modern technologies.
A delegation of Turkmenistan led by N. Shykhlyyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, held a meeting in Japan on May 14 with Yano Kazuhiko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of educational cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Turkmen students in the MEXT program, the possibility of allocating a separate quota for Turkmenistan, as well as the development of STEM fields, engineering, artificial intelligence, and environmental education. The sides also reviewed issues related to the establishment of Japanese language centers at universities in Ashgabat, the provision of educational and digital materials for these centers, and advanced training for teachers. Separate discussions focused on the introduction of the Japanese technical education model (KOSEN) and joint research in the fields of smart technologies, robotics, and green energy. On May 15, the delegation held a meeting with the management of “SPRIX Inc.” The parties discussed projects in digital education, the introduction of the TOFAS test, the development of exchange programs, and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Rector of the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, B. Atamanov, paid a working visit to the People’s Republic of China on May 13–15. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The purpose of the visit was to participate in a symposium dedicated to the development of higher education in the energy sector within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The forum was held at the China University of Petroleum in Beijing. During the plenary session, B. Atamanov delivered a report on the introduction of innovative technologies in the oil and gas industry within the framework of Turkmen-Chinese partnership. He presented the results of the international conference “Turkmenistan – People’s Republic of China: 20 years of strategic partnership in the gas sector,” held in Ashgabat. Special attention was given to the work of the “Luban Workshop” project operating at the university. As part of the visit, the delegation also attended the opening of a cultural festival. Turkmen students studying in China performed the national dance “Kushdepdi.” On the second day, representatives of Turkmenistan familiarized themselves with the laboratories of the China University of Petroleum. They were presented with solutions for integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process. On the final day, a meeting was held at Lenovo headquarters with the leadership of Xi’an Petroleum University and Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University. The sides discussed the development of the “Luban Workshop” and its technical equipment. The Chinese side presented plans for the third phase of modernization of the project. The Turkmen delegation emphasized the need to accelerate the development of the educational and research base of the center and to move toward practical implementation of the outlined tasks.
From May 6 to 11, an international scientific and practical conference titled “Science and Innovative Education: Global Development Strategies” was held in Tashkent as part of the “Pearl of the East” championship. The event was organized with the participation of the Academies of Sciences of Uzbekistan and Germany. Turkmenistan was represented by Novruzalem Gurdov, a lecturer at the Aba Annaev International Academy of Horse Breeding, according to the Orient news agency. During his presentation, N. Gurdov spoke about the integration of modern educational approaches with centuries-old traditions of training Akhal-Teke horses. Special attention in his report was given to the training of young specialists at the academy, which attracted interest from experts from CIS countries. For his contribution to the development of science and his high level of professional excellence, Novruzalem Gurdov was awarded the honorary CIS title “Master of His Craft” and received commemorative awards. This recognition became another indication of the international reputation of Turkmen horse breeding schools and the national education system.
A meeting was held at the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with French diplomat, ambassador, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and Director of the Secretariat of the European Information and Analytical College based in Paris, Yasmine Guédar. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. During her visit to Ashgabat, she also plans to visit several scientific and cultural institutions, as well as hold talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of the country. The discussions with the university experts were conducted in a businesslike and informative atmosphere. They focused on developments in Central Asia, including regional cooperation and major infrastructure and energy projects of interest to European analysts. Representatives of the center presented their work and research areas, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with international partners.
On May 12, a scientific and practical conference titled “Turkmenistan and International Law: the Experience of Neutrality and Cooperation” was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event brought together representatives of Turkmen ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, foreign experts in the field of international law, as well as lecturers and students. During the conference, it was noted that the initiative to proclaim 2028 as the “Year of International Law,” first announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, is aimed at strengthening the legal foundations of international security and supporting the supremacy of the UN Charter. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova emphasized that the country consistently advocates for strengthening international law, developing multilateral cooperation, and promoting peaceful dialogue and preventive diplomacy. At the conclusion of the conference, participants noted that observing 2028 under the auspices of international law would be an important step toward strengthening the legal framework of interstate relations and expanding cooperation.
On May 12, a delegation from Turkmenistan led by the vice-rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, N. Shykhlyyev, held a series of meetings in Tokyo with representatives of academic and educational circles, as well as international organizations. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the President of the Turkmen–Japanese Science and Technology Association, G. Koinuma, the parties discussed areas of cooperation. The discussion was also attended by an advisor from the Directorate for Project Development and Implementation of the organization Asia SEED, A. Futohashi. The talks focused on the development of scientific and educational ties between the two countries. Key topics included humanities education, language studies, exchange programs, specialist training, the introduction of the KOSEN education system, as well as cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. A separate meeting was held with the Deputy Director of the East Asia, Central Asia and Caucasus Department of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Y. Sonoyama. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmen universities and JICA in areas of mutual interest. They also addressed a specialist exchange program for Japanese language teaching, which is being implemented with JICA’s support. In addition, JICA invited students from Turkmen universities to participate in a short-term online course on artificial intelligence and data science.
On May 11 in Tokyo, a meeting took place between a Turkmen delegation and the President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Nobuo Haruna. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. From the Turkmen side, the meeting was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, and the Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan, N. Shykhlyyev. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture. Particular attention was given to academic exchanges of students and faculty, as well as the expansion of foreign language study programs. The participants also considered opportunities for cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) within joint projects and research initiatives. Following the meeting, mutual interest was noted in further strengthening Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in humanitarian and educational spheres.
A student of Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly, Guvanchmyrat Arrykov, has become the winner of the international research competition “Analysis, Modeling and Practical Application of Scientific Problems and Their Solutions.” He was awarded a first-degree diploma. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Arrykov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Law, presented a paper titled “The Legal Nature of the Fundamental Principles of International Law.” His academic supervisor was S. Gochumova, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law. The competition was held in an online format. It was organized by the scientific publishing center “Eterna” (Ufa, Russian Federation).
At the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan, the 3rd International Competition “International Relations: Culture of Peaceful Dialogue” has officially begun. Representatives from nine countries are taking part in the event, according to AsmanNews. The competition has brought together more than 40 international participants from 13 universities, as well as 117 students from Turkmenistan. The participating countries include the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Iran. Before the opening of the event, participants visited an exhibition in the institute’s foyer. The display featured examples of decorative and applied arts, as well as materials highlighting the priorities of the country’s foreign policy. It was noted that the competition is dedicated to issues of peaceful dialogue and international cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of political and diplomatic approaches in addressing global challenges, as well as the role of the United Nations. The program includes discussions on cooperation in politics, economics, energy, food security, and environmental protection. The event also highlighted Turkmenistan’s foreign policy orientation toward strengthening peace and sustainable development. Participants additionally visited the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan, where they learned about the country’s history and cultural heritage. The competition will continue according to the planned program.
Turkmenistan has taken second place in terms of the number of students studying at Russian universities: currently, 57,060 citizens of the country are studying in Russia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Kazakhstan remains the leader (60,818 students), while China is in third place (56,766). They are followed by Uzbekistan, India, Tajikistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. The total number of international students in Russia has increased to 402,000 people from 179 countries, rising by about 7,000 over the year. Including all forms of education, the figure may reach 425,000. The agency also forecasts a further 28% increase over the next five years.
A meeting between the leadership of the International University for the Humanities and Development and the President of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies took place in Tokyo. The sides discussed the further development of inter-university cooperation, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The talks were held within the framework of a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding and took place in a constructive atmosphere. The participants considered the expansion of academic exchanges, joint educational projects, scientific cooperation, and the training of internationally oriented specialists. Particular emphasis was placed on academic mobility of students and faculty as an important factor in strengthening humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Japan. It was noted that since 2017, 11 students have studied at the Japanese university, contributing to the development of professional skills, language training, and intercultural dialogue. The role of the Global Japanese Office, which has been operating at the university since 2016 and contributes to the development of educational and cultural ties, the promotion of the Japanese language, and the expansion of academic contacts, was also highlighted. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further developing the partnership and implementing joint projects in the fields of education and science.