Turkmenistan – Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation: Exploring New Directions of Educational Cooperation

On April 15, 2026, a productive meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, and a delegation headed by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Vasil Shaykhraziyev. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, A. Atayev.

During the meeting, the parties comprehensively discussed the current state and future directions of bilateral cooperation in the field of education. It was particularly emphasized that educational cooperation serves as an important foundation for the development of long-term economic relations between the two countries.

The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan noted that educational cooperation between the two countries is based on a solid legal framework, and that the signed agreements are already yielding tangible results. Special emphasis was placed on the active development of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions in recent years.

Particular importance was attached to cooperation in the training of specialists. It was noted that the number of Turkmen students in higher education institutions of Tatarstan remains high, and that they hold leading positions among international students.

The parties highlighted the importance of exchanging experience in digital education, the digitalization of educational institutions, and the implementation of innovative technologies. It was also noted that Turkmenistan actively participates in international events such as Kazan Digital Week and studies Tatarstan’s advanced experience in this area.

Effective work in improving the qualifications of teaching staff was also emphasized. In particular, the training sessions conducted in Turkmenistan by lecturers of Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University during 2023–2025 were assessed as a concrete result of cooperation.

The development of youth policy and cultural and humanitarian ties was also mentioned as one of the key areas of cooperation. It was noted that Turkmen students and schoolchildren successfully participate in international Olympiads held in Tatarstan, and that friendly relations between the youth of the two countries are being strengthened. A striking example of such a relationship is the recreational facilities created in the Avaza National Tourist Zone for Tatarstan schoolchildren who successfully competed in the International Mathematical Olympiad, held in Turkmenistan in 2024.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on expanding faculty exchange programs, supporting joint research, developing digital education opportunities, and strengthening ties between higher education institutions.

The parties confirmed their readiness to further develop cooperation in the field of education and expressed confidence that bilateral relations will continue to be mutually beneficial, effective, and sustainable.

Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan