ON THE AGENDA: ADVANCING BILATERAL COOPERATION
On March 17, 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting between the Rector of the Institute, Gulshat Yusupova, and the newly appointed Director of the French Institute at the Embassy of France in Turkmenistan, Vincent Lorenzini. The meeting was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of International Relations, French Language Instructor at the Department of World Languages, Mona Lorendel, Cultural Attaché and Timur Shakhirov, Cultural Affairs Assistant at the French Institute.
During the constructive dialogue, it was emphasized that a powerful impetus to bilateral relations was provided by the official visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, to Paris in May 2025. The high-level talks held at the Élysée Palace with President Emmanuel Macron opened a new chapter in the strategic partnership, particularly in the cultural, humanitarian, and educational spheres.
Special emphasis was placed on the academic and methodological achievements of the Institute and the ongoing improvement of the educational process. The guests were presented with French language textbooks for secondary schools, co-authored by the Institute’s instructor in collaboration with leading specialists. It was noted that the publication of these manuals, which meet modern international standards, represents a significant step in implementing the language policy of Turkmenistan and providing schools with high-quality national educational resources.
A central topic of discussion was the organization of the final round and the award ceremony for the «Francophonie-2026» competitions, held this year under the motto «En mouvement» («In Motion»). The parties discussed the technical and organizational details of the upcoming finals, scheduled to take place this April at the Institute of International Relations, highlighting the event’s importance for identifying talented youth and promoting the French language in Turkmenistan.
The guests were briefed on the infrastructure of the National School of Turkmen Diplomacy, the campus of which was constructed by the French company Bouygues Bâtiment International. It was noted that French has been taught here since the Institute’s establishment, and a UNESCO Club has been successfully operating at the university since October 2022.
In conclusion, Rector Gulshat Yusupova presented souvenirs to the guests as a symbol of deep respect and commitment to further strengthening the Turkmen-French dialogue in education and culture.
Ogulbeg GAZAKOVA,
French Language Instructor at the Department of World Languages
of the Institute of International Relations
of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.