INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM HELD IN GEORGIA
From September 29 to October 4, 2026, Tbilisi, Georgia, hosted the 'Crossroads Diplomacy Network' professional internship and exchange program, aimed at advancing the professional competencies of young specialists in diplomacy and international relations, studying international best practices, and fostering interstate cooperation. Faculty members of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan also participated in the program. The core objective of the program was to examine contemporary practices in international relations, diplomacy, public administration, and international law, while effectively bridging the participants' theoretical knowledge with practical execution. Throughout the curriculum, participants engaged with Georgia's foreign policy framework, diplomatic operational practices, modern vectors of international cooperation, the role of global organizations within the geopolitical landscape, fundamental tenets of international law, and the pivotal role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
Furthermore, specialized sessions and practical workshops covered vital domains such as advanced public administration methodologies, project management, democratic governance, the rule of law, e-governance, and international human rights protection mechanisms. Additionally, study visits to the United Nations Office in Tbilisi and relevant Georgian state institutions provided an immersive understanding of the operational intricacies inherent to international organizations and public administration bodies. Cultural and historical excursions further enriched the participants' comprehension of Georgia's heritage, national culture, and traditions. The training modules and exchanges conducted within the 'Crossroads Diplomacy Network' initiative served as a significant catalyst for enriching the professional expertise of the delegation from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, augmenting their international exposure, and mastering the practical dimensions of diplomatic service. Such transnational initiatives establish robust frameworks for expanding friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and Georgia across scientific, educational, academic, and diplomatic training spheres.
The intensification of institutional exchanges, alongside the organization of joint academic and scientific-practical events between higher education establishments and relevant bodies, will further fortify bilateral educational and professional collaboration. Overall, this program was instrumental in absorbing international expertise, refining professional competencies, fostering intercultural dialogue, and charting new trajectories for future partnership. Initiatives of this nature play an indispensable role in cultivating competent, broad-minded young professionals equipped with modern practical skills within the sphere of international relations.
Maral ORAZGYLYJOVA,
Instructor at the Department of International Law
and Comparative Law Studies
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan