On October 19, 2026, a Business Forum was held in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of the Ministerial Meeting and accompanying business sessions in the “C5+1” format between the Central Asian countries and the United States of America. The forum was of great importance for developing economic cooperation in the region and strengthening international relations across various fields. In order to highlight the significance of this important event and discuss the connection between its outcomes and the development of the education system, a roundtable discussion entitled “Turkmenistan — The Land of Friendship” was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University.

During the roundtable discussion, participants exchanged views in detail on the role of international cooperation in ensuring the sustainable development of states, expanding economic relations, and effectively utilizing the potential of science and education in the modern era. The discussion also highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to fostering international relations based on the principles of friendship and brotherhood, mutual respect, and equal cooperation.

The Business sessions held in Samarkand covered such important areas as digital technologies, education and healthcare, critical minerals and extractive resources, energy and transport infrastructure, agriculture and the textile industry, as well as finance and investment. This broad range of topics reflects the multifaceted nature of modern economic development. Each of these areas is closely linked to the training of highly qualified specialists, the advancement of scientific capabilities, and the introduction of innovative solutions into production. A representative of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University participated in the Business sessions devoted to education and healthcare, as well as energy and transport infrastructure.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that education plays a significant role in developing international cooperation, ensuring access to modern knowledge for young people, and improving their professional skills. Today, education is one of the key factors underpinning the sustainable development of any state, strengthening its economic potential, and enhancing its international competitiveness. In this regard, the modernization of the education system in our country, the improvement of educational quality, and the strengthening of the relationship between science and education are among the priority areas of state policy.

Special attention was also given to the importance of engineering education. The development of the oil and gas industry, industrial production, energy, transport infrastructure, and digital technologies depends primarily on engineers equipped with modern knowledge and advanced professional training. In contemporary engineering education, knowledge of artificial intelligence, automation systems, information technologies, energy-efficient solutions, and environmental protection is becoming increasingly important.

During the meeting, participants also exchanged views on the importance of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which aims to develop friendly relations with countries around the world, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen international dialogue. It was noted that meetings held in the “C5+1” format, together with the business events organized within this framework, serve as an important platform for exchanging experience among the countries of the region, exploring new opportunities for cooperation, and achieving common development goals.

At the conclusion of the roundtable discussion, the representatives who addressed the meeting expressed their profound gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, and the Arkadagly Hero Serdar for their efforts to advance science and education in the country, create broad opportunities for young people, and strengthen international cooperation.

Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University