Ashgabat (TDI): Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom have taken significant steps to bolster their collaboration in the field of education, as discussions between Deputy Minister of Education Azat Ataev and Sarah Chidgey, Regional Export Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, explored avenues to enhance academic ties.
The meeting, hosted by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education, focused on leveraging the UK’s expertise in delivering high-quality education.
Chidgey highlighted the successful partnerships of British universities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, including the University of Westminster, and expressed interest in extending similar initiatives to Turkmenistan.
Key points of discussion included accrediting British universities to provide educational services in Turkmenistan and strengthening secondary and higher education systems.
Chidgey announced plans for the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council next year, where education will be a central agenda item.
Further, the World Education Forum in London is expected to host more detailed discussions on fostering bilateral academic ties.
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Deputy Minister Ataev welcomed the proposals, expressing a commitment to enhancing Turkmenistan’s education system through webinars, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and a focused study of British educational standards.
He emphasized the importance of adapting the UK’s proven educational methodologies to local needs.
The partnership aims to create opportunities for Turkmen students and teachers to engage with the global educational community, ultimately supporting the country’s integration into international academia.
UK’s Educations Initiatives in Central Asia
The UK has a history of fostering educational collaboration in Central Asia.
Institutions like the Kazakh-British Technical University and British university branches in Uzbekistan provide local students access to quality British education.
Additionally, the British Council has played a pivotal role in English language training and teacher development programs across the region.
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Earlier this year, the UK Foreign Secretary announced a new initiative to promote English in Central Asia, offering teachers access to localized online resources.
This initiative is expected to strengthen Turkmenistan’s efforts to modernize its education sector and open new horizons for students and educators.
