During a recent visit to Tokyo, representatives of Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, held a series of meetings and negotiations on a wide range of Turkmen-Japanese relations.
The issues of strengthening partnership in the scientific and educational sphere were also included in the agenda of the visit, writes newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan”.
Following the talks, a solid package of documents was signed on the further development of bilateral partnership, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (IIR) and the Soka University of Japan, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan and the Japan-Turkmenistan Association for Scientific and Technical Cooperation on cooperation in the field of innovative technologies.
During the meeting with Japanese colleagues, Turkmen delegation voiced following proposals:
- the opening of a branch of Soka University at the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan; exchange of students and teachers;
- creation of opportunities for Turkmen students to study in Japan;
- organization of online lectures by leading professors of Soka University, in particular, representing the faculties of economic and legal training, business administration,
- assistance in publishing the works of university teachers in scientific publications in Japan;
- organization of a study visit for teachers from Turkmenistan.
Later, foreign Meredov met with the head of the Japan-Turkmenistan Association of Scientific and Technical Cooperation H.Koinuma. Productive negotiations were held with the head of Soka University with the participation of the rectors of the Institute of International Relations and the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan.
Along with the discussion of exchange programs, issues related to the opening of a branch of this Japanese university under the IIR of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan were also discussed.
A meeting between rectors of Turkmenistan’s Institute of International Relations (IIR) and Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology with Ye. Sasakawa, head of the Nippon Foundation, yielded proposals for digital advancements and academic exchange. The Turkmen side proposed leveraging the Nippon Foundation’s expertise to modernize the IIR’s scientific library and establish a dedicated digital space for Japanese language learning. Collaboration on an innovative cluster was envisioned, aiming to foster cutting-edge research and development in information technology.
Study trips to Japan’s high-tech centers were proposed for Turkmen students, allowing them to experience firsthand the latest advancements. Young Turkmen teachers could potentially participate in the Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund, equipping them with valuable skills and global perspectives. Establishing a thematic library at the IIR dedicated to international relations publications from Japan was proposed, enriching research resources for students and faculty.
Emphasis was also placed on expanding and strengthening the partnership between the Foundation and Turkmenistan within the framework of projects such as JACAFA, NipCA, Read Japan and others.
Another meeting was held with the leadership of the University of Tsukuba.
A recent meeting between Turkmen representatives and the leadership of Japan’s University of Tsukuba produced a flurry of promising proposals designed to strengthen academic links and foster intellectual exchange. These included enriching the library of the IIR with valuable publications from Tsukuba University; providing Turkmen students and faculty with the opportunity to learn from the world’s brightest minds through online lectures delivered by Tsukuba’s Nobel laureates; bridging geographical barriers, Tsukuba professors in international relations and multilateral studies would offer online presentations tailored for future Turkmen diplomats; building connections between the IIR Faculty of International Relations and Tsukuba’s School of Japanese Language and Culture, and School of Business Administration and Social Sciences would allow Turkmen faculty to learn from Tsukuba’s expertise in diverse fields; fostering deeper understanding and shared learning through reciprocal visits of experts and teachers from both universities.
The University of Tsukuba is a long-standing partner of Turkmen universities. In 2013, an Agreement on scientific exchange and cooperation was signed between the University of Tsukuba and the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, and in 2015, an Agreement on academic exchange and Cooperation between the International University of Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan and the Tokyo University of Foreign Languages. The Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, IIR of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan actively strengthens cooperation with the University of Tsukuba. ///nCa, 30 January 2024