The President of Turkmenistan was awarded the Degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations”

On October 30, 2026, in the afternoon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Hacettepe University.

A ceremony was held there to confer upon the President of Turkmenistan the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations.”

At the university, the head of state was warmly welcomed by the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, and the Rector of the University Mehmet Cahit Güran.

The students of the University presented to the head of state the bouquets of flowers.

The President of Turkmenistan, the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, and the rector of Hacettepe University posed for a commemorative photograph.

The ceremony was also attended by members of the Turkmenistan government delegation and officials from the Republic of Türkiye, faculty members of the University, as well as Turkmen students studying in the friendly country.

The Vice Rector of the University addressed the ceremony. Noting the achievements of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, he read the decision of the Academic Council of Hacettepe University to award the head of Turkmenistan the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations.” 

As noted in the decision, this honor was bestowed in recognition of the strong political will and support demonstrated during his presidency in transforming Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality into an active instrument of peaceful and preventive diplomacy at the UN level; his successful leadership of large-scale initiatives on global interdependence, such as the Awaza Program of Action; and concepts of regional cooperation and development, as well as for cooperation across a wide range of areas between the Republic of Türkiye and Turkmenistan – ranging from artificial intelligence to “smart” agriculture and joint degree programs, To the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov – an outstanding statesman who combines a deep academic background in the fields of international relations and global security with a high-level government position – the Academic Council of the University, by its decision, confers the degree of “Honorary Doctor.”

Next, Mehmet Cahit Güran, the Rector of the University, addressed the ceremony.

It was emphasized that this event is not merely a ceremony to confer an honorary degree on a prominent statesman, but also a reaffirmation of our shared history, cultural ties, and the principles of friendship and brotherhood.

Over its sixty-year history, Hacettepe University has awarded honorary doctorates to statesmen for their contributions to humanity and the Turkic world, noted Mehmet Cahit Güran, expressing deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for accepting this honor.

It was noted that relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan are based on a shared history and culture, as well as bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

Concluding his remarks, the Rector of Hacettepe University wished President Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, happiness, and continued success in his important state duty, and prosperity for the people of Turkmenistan.

The floor was then given to the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz.  He warmly welcomed the President of Turkmenistan and expressed his confidence that the conferral of the aforementioned academic degree upon President Serdar Berdimuhamedov would make a significant contribution to the development of the centuries-old relations of brotherhood and friendship between Türkiye and Turkmenistan.

As was emphasized, the title of honorary doctorate is a high recognition of an individual’s outstanding contributions in the fields of science, public service, and international affairs. The present ceremony serves as a proof of high appraisal  of the efforts of the President of Turkmenistan to strengthen international peace and cooperation, as well as close interstate cooperation.

The Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, noted that  the cooperation between Türkiye and Turkmenistan has been developing on the basis of mutual trust and respect since the very first days of independence.

Highly commending the support provided by the head of state in the development of bilateral relations, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized the significance of the decision by the Academic Council of Hacettepe University to award the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations” to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening regional and global peace and the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, and once again congratulated the head of state on receiving this honorary degree. 

Next, in a formal ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan was presented with the corresponding diploma conferring the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations.”

The floor was then given to the head of state.

After greeting all gathered, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the University’s Rector, Professor Mehmet Cahit Güran, the members of the Academic Council, and the entire faculty for conferring the degree of “Honorary Doctor of International Relations” by Hacettepe University.

“I view the conferral of this honorary degree not only as an award but also as a high recognition of Turkmenistan’s efforts in the field of developing international relations, strengthening peace and trust, and expanding cooperation between states,” – noted President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing his confidence that this also serves as confirmation of the friendly Turkmen-Turkish relations and our historical and spiritual closeness.

The development of the scientific and educational sectors is one of the priority ýeçtors of Turkmenistan’s state policy. In our country, great attention is paid to the creation of a modern education system, the strengthening of the material and technical base of scientific and educational institutions, and the introduction of advanced teaching methods into the educational process, said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

This field serves as an important bridge between states and peoples, fostering mutual understanding, the exchange of experiences, and the achievement of common development goals.

For centuries, our peoples have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, mutual support, and the preservation of shared values. This historical legacy continues to form a solid foundation for interstate dialogue today.

Currently, thousands of young Turkmen are studying at higher education institutions in Türkiye, gaining knowledge and acquiring skills in various fields.

The Head of State expressed confidence that cooperation between Turkmen and Turkish scientists, as well as young researchers at scientific research centers, will contribute to new achievements in science. At the same time, it was noted that such cooperation is intended to contribute not only to improving the educational process but also to the further socioeconomic development of both countries.

Expressing confidence that new heights would continue to be reached in strengthening Turkmen-Turkish ties and mutually beneficial cooperation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the brotherly Turkish people well-being and prosperity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan and the Rector of Hacettepe University once again exchanged best wishes.

Then a ceremony took place at which the President of Turkmenistan was awarded the “Strategic Friendship” medal by the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).

The head of state was presented with the award and the corresponding certificate.

After thanking the representatives of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board for awarding him the “Strategic Friendship” medal, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that he accepts this high honor as a symbol of deep respect and regards it as a convincing confirmation of the multifaceted cooperation, constructive business ties, and large-scale joint activities between the two countries.

The presentation of the “Strategic Friendship” award is a vivid testament to the progressively strong Turkmen-Turkish economic partnership.

Taking this opportunity, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly congratulated the ceremony’s participants and thanked the Turkish Council for Foreign Economic Relations for the high level of organization of such a significant event.