On February 19, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between J. Gurbangeldiyev, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Mr. Ahsan Wagan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss opportunities and conditions for expanding cooperation in the field of higher education.
The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan informed the distinguished guest about the ongoing work in the country to continuously improve the education system in line with advanced global practices, as well as about achievements at both national and international levels. Detailed information was provided regarding the reform of Turkmenistan's education system, the introduction of digital technologies, international cooperation, and prospects for university development. The successes of Turkmen universities included in international rankings were also highlighted.
It has been emphasized that productive interaction is being carried out based on agreements signed between universities in Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
The parties discussed specific proposals for further expanding cooperation in education. In particular, an initiative was put forward to establish collaboration between S.A. Niyazov Agricultural University (Turkmenistan) and the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad (Pakistan) in areas such as agricultural economics and livestock farming.
The Ambassador has stated that Pakistani universities are ready to offer scholarship opportunities to Turkmen students in fields such as banking, railway transport, information technology, pharmacy, and foreign languages.
During the meeting, it was proposed to organize events dedicated to the life and works of the classical Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal. Mr. Wagan also expressed his desire to conduct an "open lesson" for students of Turkmen universities to share his diplomatic experience.
As part of the dialogue, an invitation was extended to Pakistan to participate in educational events related to the International Year of Peace and Trust declared by the UN General Assembly at Turkmenistan's initiative, as well as events marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.
The Turkmen side also invited representatives from COMSATS University (Pakistan) to participate in the International Educational-Methodological Conference titled "Language – An Important Tool for Friendly Relations," which will be held in February 2025 at the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Additionally, participation by Pakistani schoolchildren in the Second International Mathematics Olympiad to be held in Ashgabat from April 21 to April 26, 2025 was discussed.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in further developing cooperation and their readiness to implement new educational projects and initiatives.
