A round table discussion was held in Almaty within the framework of the scientific and political dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and Germany in the “Z+1” format, which was established in 2024 at the initiative of the heads of state of the region and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz. The meeting, which discussed issues of intensifying scientific, technical and educational cooperation, was held at the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany.

The Turkmen side was represented at the meeting by an expert of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, candidate of economic sciences G. Akyniyazova and a teacher of the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages M. Bugrayev. During the round table discussion, delegates discussed prospects for scientific research cooperation, key areas, spheres of contact, as well as processes driven by the desire of the region’s states to integrate and actively interact in the field of science and education. Among other things, the officials discussed the methods for further work, as well as the challenges that the parties face in implementing the partnership.

The Turkmen side identified the spheres of hydrogen energy, biotechnology, environmental protection, medicine, pharmacy and healthcare as the most promising areas for further cooperation with Germany. On behalf of Turkmenistan, a clear position was voiced regarding the future bilateral and multilateral partnership with Germany - the need to institutionalize cooperation in the scientific research sphere. For this, as the Turkmen delegates noted, it is necessary to implement specific scientific startups with sustainable results, conduct joint research and mutual use of their results. The main driver of innovation for scientists from Central Asia and Germany should be business, resources of which will help not only to implement various projects, but also to strengthen the relationship between science and production.

In general, the meeting participants were unanimous in their opinion: there is a need for joint applied and fundamental research that will be closely linked directly to the real sector of the economy and will contribute to increasing human capital.