Honorary Doctorate Conferred to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan at University of Tsukuba
On April 15, 2025, the University of Tsukuba held a ceremonial event at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo to confer an honorary doctorate to His Excellency Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan. This event coincided with Turkmenistan’s National Day, which is being celebrated in conjunction with the Osaka Expo 2025.
Ceremony Attendance
Despite a packed schedule that included a meeting with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, President Berdimuhamedov was present for the honorary degree ceremony at the University of Tsukuba.
Expressions of Gratitude
Before the ceremony, President Berdimuhamedov expressed appreciation for the educational and research exchanges between Turkmenistan and Japan, particularly emphasizing the long-term academic collaboration with the University of Tsukuba. He conveyed gratitude for the honorary degree and expressed hopes for further development of these exchanges.
University President’s Acknowledgment
University President Kyosuke Nagata acknowledged the various contributions that merited the award, highlighting President Berdimuhamedov’s initiatives to promote Japanese language education as well as Japanese engineering education in Turkmenistan. His commitment to establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for collaborative research in the hydrogen energy sector was also noted.
Praise for Leadership and Vision
President Nagata praised President Berdimuhamedov’s leadership and vision in advancing educational initiatives that have been inherited from his predecessor, former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who established the foundation for many ongoing academic projects. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperative efforts in education and research between the University of Tsukuba and Turkmenistani institutions, particularly in the fields of science and technology, to support a sustainable future. Additionally, he recognized efforts to advance Japanese language education at all levels within Turkmenistan.
Event Attendees
The ceremony was attended by various official representatives from both nations, including notable figures from the University of Tsukuba, such as Vice President for Global Affairs, Professor Osamu Ohneda, and Vice President for Collaborative Research, Professor Yasushi Nakauchi.
Presentation of Honorary Degree
During the event, President Nagata presented the honorary doctorate certificate along with a bouquet of white roses, a flower that holds significance for Turkmenistan, in acknowledgment of President Berdimuhamedov’s distinguished contributions.
Future Collaborations
The University of Tsukuba aims to enhance bilateral academic exchanges with Turkmenistan and contribute to the development of both nations.
(Source: University of Tsukuba)
