Meeting with the Leadership of VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Ambassador Sapar Palvanov met with Vice-Rector for International Policy of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Ms. Karin Vanderkerken, and Director of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy, Mr. Gunter Gaublomme.

The parties discussed prospects for developing academic and practice-oriented cooperation between Turkmenistan and Belgian universities, with a particular focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of joint educational initiatives. The Ambassador emphasized that strengthening the partnership with the European Union, including cooperation with leading European universities, is among the key priorities of Turkmenistan’s state policy.

Special attention was given to opportunities for cooperation in such priority areas as economic diplomacy, climate agenda, water resource management, and energy transition. It was noted that collaboration in these fields would help bridge academic expertise with practical needs related to sustainable development.

The representatives of VUB expressed their interest in expanding cooperation and confirmed their readiness to engage in concrete joint initiatives, particularly through educational programs and specialized training courses within the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. They also underlined the importance of ensuring that future agreements are built on concrete content and deliver tangible results.

The parties agreed to explore the possibility of launching joint training programs in economic, climate, and energy diplomacy, as well as to consider mechanisms for utilizing European Union instruments to support such initiatives. In this context, the growing importance of Central Asia as a strategic and promising partner for European initiatives was highlighted.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in developing a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership, including the preparation of relevant agreements, promotion of academic exchanges, and organization of joint activities in both Belgium and Turkmenistan.