On 11 December 2025, within the framework of the International Forum and accompanying events dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, which are widely celebrated in our country, a productive meeting took place between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education, J. Gurbangeldiyev, and the head of Italy’s Asia Institute, Domenico Palmieri.
The parties emphasized that Turkmen–Italian relations are built on mutual respect, equality, and shared historical and cultural ties. During the meeting, the proposals discussed regarding the development of educational cooperation demonstrated the harmonious alignment of the two friendly countries’ aspirations to elevate their humanitarian partnership to a new level.
The Minister acquainted the distinguished guest with the structure of Turkmenistan’s education system, particularly the implementation of the Bologna system, which originated in Europe, including Italy, the established cooperation with the University of Perugia, and the teaching of the Italian language in the country’s secondary and higher educational institutions. He also put forward several concrete proposals aimed at further advancing the ongoing cooperation. In particular, taking into account that many years of archaeological excavations carried out jointly by Italian archaeologists and Turkmen scholars on the territory of Turkmenistan have led to the discovery of valuable historical artefacts, it was emphasized that it would be highly appropriate for Italian archaeologists to deliver lectures and training sessions at the relevant higher educational institution of our country. New areas of cooperation were also outlined, including the organization of summer courses in Italy for students and schoolchildren studying the Italian language, the expansion of teacher and student exchanges, the conduct of joint scientific research, and the coordinated organization of various thematic conferences.
Domenico Palmieri, having endorsed the proposed initiatives, stated in turn that he is ready to provide full support for creating favorable conditions aimed at expanding cooperation with Italian higher education institutions, so that this partnership will become even more productive in the coming years.
The head of Italy’s Asia Institute noted that was active cooperation with the Turkmen side in translating the poetic divan of Magtymguly Pyragy into Italian, and expressed his willingness to assist in translating into Italian the new book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, titled “Turkmenistan’s Neutrality — a Clear Path to Peace and Trust.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties emphasized that bilateral support would remain ongoing in the practical implementation of the proposed initiatives and in achieving the set objectives, expressing their mutual wishes for cooperation and success in this regard.
