Honorary Doctorate Awarded to President of Turkmenistan

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Kyosuke Nagata

On April 15, University of Tsukuba held a ceremony at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo to confer an honorary doctorate upon H.E. Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan.

President Berdimuhamedov visited Japan on the occasion of Turkmenistan's National Day at the Osaka Expo 2025. Despite his very tight schedule, which included an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, he made time to attend the honorary degree conferment ceremony hosted by the University of Tsukuba.

Prior to the ceremony, President Berdimuhamedov expressed his high regard for the development of educational and research exchanges between Turkmenistan and Japan, particularly highlighting the long-standing academic collaboration centered around the University of Tsukuba. He also conveyed his sincere gratitude for being awarded the honorary doctorate and shared his expectations for further strengthening future exchanges. Following this, President NAGATA outlined the significant contributions that led to President Berdimuhamedov receiving the honorary doctorate. In particular, he emphasized President Berdimuhamedov's efforts in promoting Japanese language education and advancing Japanese-style engineering education in Turkmenistan, as well as his commitment to establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research in the field of hydrogen energy.

President NAGATA also expressed his deep appreciation and respect for President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's vision, decisive leadership, and actions in further advancing the foundation laid by his father, National Leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) and former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. President NAGATA highlighted President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's commitment to enhancing joint education and research between University of Tsukuba and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan - particularly in the field of science and technology aimed at building a sustainable future society. He also praised his efforts to promote and establish Japanese language education across all levels - elementary, secondary, and higher education -throughout Turkmenistan.

The ceremony was attended by official representatives from both countries. From the University of Tsukuba, attendees included Vice President for Global Affairs Prof. OHNEDA Osamu, Vice President for Collaborative Research Prof. NAKAUCHI Yasushi, Executive Officer and Dean of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. USUYAMA Toshinobu, Director of the Hydrogen Boride Research Center and Professor of the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences Prof. KONDO Takahiro, Head of the Office of Global Initiatives Ms. IWAMI Sanae, and Head of the Executive Secretary Office Ms. URATA Satoko.

President NAGATA presented the honorary doctorate certificate and a bouquet of white roses--symbolic of Turkmenistan--in recognition of President Berdimuhamedov's distinguished achievements.

Our university will continue to deepen academic exchange with Turkmenistan and contribute to the development of both countries.