Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-Rector for International Policy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Gunter Gaublomme, Director of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission.

The parties discussed prospects for academic and practice-oriented cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Belgium, including knowledge exchange, joint educational programmes and capacity building. Particular attention was paid to economic diplomacy, climate issues, water resource management and the energy transition, with an emphasis on linking academic expertise with the practical challenges of sustainable development.

Representatives of Belgian institutions expressed their willingness to participate in specific initiatives, including educational programmes and professional development courses, emphasising the importance of the practical value of future agreements.

The parties agreed to explore the launch of joint programmes in the fields of economic, climate and energy diplomacy, as well as the potential use of EU instruments to support such projects.

Following the meeting, mutual interest in a sustainable partnership, academic exchanges and the organisation of joint events in Turkmenistan and Belgium was confirmed.