A high-level roundtable entitled “Turkmenistan – European Training Foundation: Human Capital as the Foundation of Connectivity” was held in Ashgabat, dedicated to cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union in the field of education and vocational training. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission.

The event was attended by Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan; Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation; representatives of the European Union, government agencies and educational institutions; and Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of the Mission of Turkmenistan to the European Union.

Participants discussed reforms to Turkmenistan’s national education system, the results of the DARYA programme and prospects for expanding cooperation under the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. Particular attention was given to academic mobility, joint educational programmes, the recognition of qualifications and improving the quality of vocational education.

The discussions highlighted the importance of training qualified specialists to support Central Asia–EU projects in transport, energy, digitalisation, environmental protection and the framework of the Global Gateway initiative.

Sapar Palvanov emphasised that human capital development is an integral part of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the European Union. He noted that the implementation of infrastructure, energy, transport and digital projects depends on professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Participants also discussed the development of educational infrastructure in Turkmenistan, the introduction of digital technologies and stronger links between education, science and the needs of the economy.

The results of the DARYA programme, implemented with EU support, were considered separately. The Turkmen side highlighted the programme’s contribution to developing professional skills, training national trainers, introducing modern educational approaches and strengthening cooperation with employers. The Turkmen side also expressed interest in continuing this work beyond the current phase of the programme.

Another topic was the coordination of EU and member state initiatives under the Team Europe approach. Participants explored opportunities to pool the resources of European universities, specialised organisations and the European Training Foundation to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan.

The sides also discussed preparations for the EU cooperation programme for 2028–2034. The Turkmen side expressed interest in ensuring that education, professional skills and human capital development are included among the priorities of future cooperation.

Following the roundtable, proposals were considered to expand academic exchanges, strengthen links between universities, improve the qualifications system and increase Turkmenistan’s participation in EU education and research programmes.