Uzbekistan and Türkiye Strengthen Cooperation in Higher Education
2026-01-28 21:00:00 / News of ministry
At the outset, the parties emphasized that in recent years Uzbekistan–Türkiye relations have advanced to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, with cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation developing steadily and dynamically. It was particularly noted that the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the Republic of Türkiye on January 29, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, would mark an important milestone in elevating bilateral cooperation — including in higher education, science, and innovation — to a new level.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the existing legal framework underpinning cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation, including the intergovernmental agreement on collaboration in scientific potential, engineering development, and high technologies, as well as the implementation of memoranda of understanding signed between relevant agencies.
The outcomes of the Uzbekistan–Türkiye Education Forums held in İzmir, Samarkand, and Istanbul during 2022–2024 were reviewed, along with the institutional partnerships established between universities of the two countries. Particular attention was given to ongoing joint educational programs, achievements to date, and prospects for further expansion.
The practical stages of establishing the International University of Turkic States were also discussed. The importance of Türkiye’s support in recruiting academic staff and expanding the use of digital learning resources to ensure the full launch of the university was highlighted.
In addition, the parties exchanged views on the establishment of a branch of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Center at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature. The project was noted as a significant step in further strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation in higher education, expand joint educational and research initiatives, and effectively implement existing initiatives.