01 November 2025 11:34

The Protocol, aimed at strengthening educational relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan, was signed during a ceremony held in Samarkand.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tekin expressed that there is great interest and affection for the Turkic world, particularly for Uzbekistan, in Türkiye, and stated that, as a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye, he is very pleased to be in the brotherly country of Uzbekistan.

Minister Tekin highlighted that Uzbekistan has a remarkably high proportion of young people, stating, "Nearly one-third of the population is enrolled in schools. This is an extremely significant indicator for any country." Emphasizing the importance of educating this young population with quality education for both countries, Tekin added, "As the Minister of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye, I personally wish to express that we are open to all forms of mutual cooperation with Uzbekistan in this regard. This is not only my personal commitment but also the shared desire of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It is our duty to take swift steps to strengthen relations along the path opened by the two Presidents."

Minister Tekin stated that content related to the Turkic world is specifically included in the Century of Türkiye Education Model, and that children are given this awareness from an early age in order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.

"Our duty is to further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood"

Minister Tekin also highlighted Türkiye's achievements in education, stating, "Allow me to underline a few points on this occasion: In terms of education and training, Türkiye currently ranks among the top in all OECD assessments and exams, including the most recent TIMSS results announced last year. Regarding academic achievement, for example, Türkiye was the best-performing country in Europe in both subjects in last year's TIMSS scores, and among the top five OECD countries. Additionally, in all international reports, including those by UNDP, Türkiye exceeds international standards in terms of physical capacity indicators, such as students per classroom and students per teacher. In terms of the use of digital and technological infrastructure in education, we are again listed among the best countries worldwide in UNDP reports. I would like to express that we are open to a wide range of joint work with Uzbekistan, which will improve our mutual cooperation in all these areas, both on the contributions we will provide and the elements we will include in our education system from Uzbekistan. I firmly believe that two states and two leaders who love and support each other will leave a stronger legacy of communication for these fraternal peoples. Our duty is both to raise our children with higher-quality education and to further strengthen this principle of brotherhood."

At the end of his speech, Minister Tekin thanked Uzbekistan for their hospitality and support, expressing his hope that the cooperation would be beneficial for both countries. He also invited E'zozkhan Karimova, Minister of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan, to the Türkiye Education Technologies Summit and the 1st Education Diplomacy Forum to be held in Istanbul in June 2026.

Uzbekistan's Minister of Preschool and School Education, E'zozkhan Karimova, in her speech at the ceremony, expressed her satisfaction with the strong cooperation between Türkiye and Uzbekistan, stating, "These conferences and meetings will make a significant contribution to strengthening the cooperation in the field of education between Türkiye and Uzbekistan." Karimova noted that the joint efforts of teachers from both countries have yielded positive results and emphasized the great importance of projects to be carried out in curriculum development and expert exchange. She added that she believes the agreements in the field of education will produce tangible results in a short time.

A Concrete Step towards Cooperation in Education Diplomacy

The Protocol signed between Türkiye and Uzbekistan aims to further deepen the long-standing bonds of amity between the two countries in the field of education. Under the Protocol, the two countries will mutually allocate land for educational institutions, and schools will be built.

The Protocol not only covers the allocation of physical spaces but also encompasses cooperation between the two countries in education, culture, and sports activities. The Sides will work together on the construction, furnishing, renovation, and management of educational institutions, and the processes will be carried out in accordance with the legislation of both countries.

The Protocol, which entered into force on 1 November 2025, will remain in effect for an indefinite period and will impart a lasting character to education diplomacy relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.