The award ceremony of the 2nd International Mathematical Olympiad, held in Turkmenistan between April 21 and 26, 2025, took place with the participation of Minister Yusuf Tekin.

 

Two students represented Türkiye in the Olympiad, which featured 231 high school students from 15 countries. Sedat Hamza Yakışık, from Üsküdar Validebağ Science High School in İstanbul, was awarded the bronze medal.

 

In his speech at the ceremony, Minister Tekin highlighted the sincere friendship and mutual respect between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkmenistan's former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, known as 'Arkadağ,' and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. He stated, 'The brotherhood bond between the people of the Republic of Türkiye and Turkmenistan is a deep-rooted and valuable connection that requires our continued unity.'

 

Minister Tekin, expressing his additional happiness for being in Turkmenistan, continued his speech as follows: 'The Republic of Türkiye was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan's independence and open an embassy in Ashgabat, as you all know... We see ourselves as a country that, from both the official government and civil society perspectives, recognizes Turkmenistan's independence and neutrality, seeks to develop it, and is committed to continuously supporting the existence of a strong Turkmenistan. Since both the presidents of our two countries and our peoples define each other with this bond of brotherhood, it is our duty as the Ministries of Education to continue this bond of brotherhood and work together to pass it on to future generations.'

 

Minister Tekin stated that during the two-day meetings with Turkmenistan's Minister of Education, Gurbangeldiyev Jumamyrat Shamyradovich, they discussed what could be done to further improve the relations between the two countries. He said, 'Everyone we met here, just like our leaders in Türkiye, is very eager and determined to work towards strengthening the relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan. As the Ministries of Education of both countries, we have once again reaffirmed our commitment to this cause. We have decided to start working quickly, right away, no later than tomorrow.'

 

Minister Tekin said the following: "We have decided to implement a series of activities that will strengthen the interaction and communication between us as the two Ministers, and between our students, teachers, and schools. In this context, I attended the award ceremony of the second Mathematical Olympiad here today. We spoke with the esteemed Minister. At the end of May, in Türkiye, there will be the annual robotic coding Olympic games organized by vocational and technical high schools. Additionally, there will be a gastronomy festival held within vocational high schools. I have invited young people from Turkmenistan to both events. Our brother Minister of Education Gurbangeldiyev Jumamyrat Shamyradovich also mentioned that they are organizing an exhibition and conference program in Turkmenistan in October, and he invited us to participate as well. Inshallah, we will participate in that program by the end of October. The presidents of both countries are eager to strengthen this cooperation. The ministers of both countries are eager. The peoples and societies of both countries are eager. Since our children and young people are also eager, it is our duty to facilitate these efforts. Inshallah, we will implement new activities and establish new interaction mechanisms in this regard."

 

Minister Tekin expressed his belief that the mutual sharing of the educational experience and knowledge between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, as two brotherly countries, will make both nations much stronger. He said, 'In this regard, we have agreed with our brothers that we will share the developments and knowledge we have in Türkiye in whatever way they desire.'

 

Minister Tekin, expressing that the world is evolving towards a very different direction, continued his remarks as follows: "A world characterized by brutal competition awaits us. A strong Turkmenistan, with its independence and neutrality, is a situation that Türkiye has always desired. I would like to once again thank the esteemed Minister for the invitation and for our valuable friendship. I congratulate the over 230 student brothers and sisters from 15 different countries who participated in this Olympiad. I especially congratulate the young people who achieved high rankings in the Olympiad. I would like to reiterate that Türkiye's doors are always open to all students. I extend my respect and best wishes to all of you."

 

In addition, as part of his official visits, Minister Yusuf Tekin visited the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, the State Museum, and the Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque and Complex in Turkmenistan.

 

In a statement on his social media account regarding his visits, Tekin said, 'By visiting the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, the State Museum, and the Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque and Complex, we witnessed the traces of our culture in our ancestral homeland. The Turkish language and culture are a rich and deeply-rooted heritage that spans a vast geography. We find it valuable for our children to grow up as individuals who embrace their roots, keep their historical awareness alive, and use Turkish correctly. Many innovations, particularly the Century of Türkiye Education Model, that we have introduced in education, are significant steps taken toward the development of our children in this direction.

 

Minister Tekin then visited Kindergarten No.75 in Ashgabat. The children welcomed Minister Tekin with the words, 'Welcome, esteemed guests!' and offered him pişi (a type of traditional pastry). The children sang songs and played games at the entrance of the school. During his visit, Tekin also toured the classrooms.