The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), provided a total of 37.5 tonnes of wheat seed and fertilizer to 500 smallholder farming families affected by floods and flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the project, 25 tonnes of certified wheat seed and 12.5 tonnes of DAP fertilizer were delivered to farming families in Ghizer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Each family received 50 kilograms of wheat seed and 25 kilograms of DAP fertilizer.
The distributions were carried out under the field coordination of the Turkish Red Crescent and PRCS (Pakistan Red Crescent Society) across 20 settlements—nine in Ghizer and 11 in the Neelum Valley. Despite the mountainous terrain and challenging access conditions, the teams reached 250 farming families in each region.
The beneficiaries included farmers affected by the major floods of 2025, as well as the smaller-scale floods and flash floods that occurred in 2026, which damaged their farmland, crops and livelihoods. The assistance was designed to help farmers prepare for the new wheat-growing season on time and resume agricultural production.
The project also provided farmers with technical guidance on climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster-risk reduction and sustainable production methods. In addition to addressing immediate agricultural needs, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of farming families against future climate-related disasters.
Women struggling with substance addiction in Tunisia face serious challenges in their post-rehabilitation reintegration into society due to social stigma, economic deprivation, and a lack of professional skills. The limited availability of women-specific rehabilitation services further restricts this vulnerable group’s participation in both social and economic life.
Within this framework, a fully equipped training kitchen, as well as hairdressing and beauty workshops, were established at the Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center, which operates under El Razi State Hospital in the Manouba Governorate of Tunisia. These facilities aim to provide vocational training in culinary arts, hairdressing, and beauty services for women battling addiction. In addition, all necessary equipment and consumable materials were supplied.
Established in 2023, the Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center has supported more than 150 women to date, offering comprehensive rehabilitation services through its diagnostic and psychological counseling units, therapy and hobby rooms, and social spaces. As of 2025, the Center has been designated as the national pilot center for the implementation of Methadone treatment for heroin addiction.
Training programs at the newly established vocational workshops are delivered in groups of 10–12 participants by expert instructors in their respective fields. The training process is organized by the Tunisian Association for Addiction (STAdd) and implemented with the active involvement of the Tanit Center’s health, psychosocial, and educational staff. Through these programs, it is aimed to strengthen beneficiaries’ economic independence by equipping them with professional skills and to ensure their sustainable reintegration into everyday life.
As a pilot initiative, the project aims to serve as a model for women’s empowerment, the reduction of social inequalities, and the increased participation of vulnerable groups in economic life. Reintegrating these women—one of the most fragile segments of society, who face multidimensional barriers both in overcoming addiction and gaining social acceptance—is of great importance for sustainable development and social cohesion.
TİKA continues to implement projects in Tunisia aimed at improving the quality of life of disadvantaged groups and strengthening social inclusion.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) has modernized the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force as part of the security cooperation between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of The Gambia.
The Unit, which plays an important bridging role in the security and training cooperation processes carried out between Türkiye and The Gambia, also coordinates the preparatory processes and Turkish language training of Gambian police officers who will pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education in Türkiye, in addition to its operational duties.
Within the scope of the project implemented by TiKA on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, the information technology infrastructure, office equipment, workstations, and essential administrative equipment needs of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force were met. The project aims to strengthen the Unit’s technical capacity, make its working environment more functional, and enhance its institutional efficiency.
The handover ceremony for the equipment provided under the project was held at Kairaba Police Station. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia; Ali Kerim, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator; Gendarmerie Colonel Volkan Karalı, Interior Counsellor; Mustafa Dirier, Representative of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation in The Gambia; Talip Erdoğan, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre; Commissioner Famara Jobarteh, Head of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force; and Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, emphasized the strong friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and The Gambia, stating that institutional cooperation in the field of security constitutes an important dimension of bilateral relations. TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Ali Kerim highlighted the longstanding cooperation between TiKA and The Gambia Police Force, noting that the support was intended to strengthen the institutional capacity of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force. Commissioner Famara Jobarteh, Head of the International Affairs Unit of The Gambia Police Force, expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye and TiKA, stating that the support provided by TiKA represents an important contribution to the Unit’s operational capacity. Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration, also thanked the Republic of Türkiye and TiKA on behalf of The Gambia Police Force. He underlined the importance of using the equipment provided effectively and with due care, and also expressed his satisfaction with the training activities carried out and planned to be carried out in the near future with the support of TiKA.
Through this support, TiKA aims to further strengthen the working capacity and institutional sustainability of this strategic centre, where Turkish language courses are also conducted within The Gambia Police Force. TiKA continues to support the public institutions of friendly and brotherly The Gambia, strengthen administrative infrastructure, and reinforce the bonds of friendship between the two peoples through sustainable projects.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed the “Livelihood Empowerment of Women through Sustainable Beekeeping Training and Capacity Building Program in Gilgit-Baltistan”, aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment and supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Implemented in cooperation with the Honeybee Research Institute (HBRI) of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and the Gilgit-Baltistan Agriculture Department, the program provided four days of theoretical and practical training on modern beekeeping techniques to 30 women beneficiaries from Gilgit. The training covered topics such as colony management, honey harvesting and processing, disease control, value addition of bee products, and the use of modern hive systems.
The closing ceremony was held at the Directorate of Agriculture Extension in Gilgit. The event was attended by Mr. Rahim Gul, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department Gilgit-Baltistan; Mr. Muhammad Naseem, Chief Foreign Aid Gilgit-Baltistan; Mr. Iqbal Hussain, Director Agriculture Extension; and Ms. Saliha Tuna, TİKA Country Coordinator in Pakistan.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the participants who successfully completed the training. In addition, each beneficiary received two modern beehives, along with essential beekeeping equipment and starter kits provided by TİKA to help them begin their beekeeping activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna emphasized the importance of initiatives that diversify income-generating opportunities for women farmers in a region where only 1.2 percent of the land is suitable for agriculture and where agricultural activities are largely carried out by women.
One of the most inspiring participants of the program was Nausheen Barkat, who had previously attended a similar TİKA-supported beekeeping training four years ago. After further developing her beekeeping enterprise, Barkat went on to receive the Daraz Best Emerging Seller 2023 Award and the Shark Tank Pakistan 2025 Award. Returning to this year’s program as a community leader, she shared her experience and provided mentorship to newly emerging women beekeepers.
Director Agriculture Extension Iqbal Hussain expressed his satisfaction with the renewed cooperation with TİKA after several years and voiced his hope that collaboration aimed at developing the beekeeping sector would continue in the future.
During her visit, TİKA Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna also held meetings with senior officials of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Mr. Riaz Ahmed, Secretary Planning and Development; Mr. Sibtain Ahmad, Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment; Mr. Rahim Gul, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; and Mr. Muhammad Naseem, Chief Foreign Aid, as well as representatives of various public institutions and the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP), to explore potential areas of future cooperation.
Through the project, TİKA aims to promote the wider adoption of modern beekeeping practices, increase women’s participation in productive economic activities, and contribute to sustainable rural development and household income generation across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), within the framework of the Quality Infrastructure Support Programme (KALDEP), organized the “National Awareness and Capacity Building Programme on Halal Standards and Quality Infrastructure” in The Gambia in cooperation with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the Halal Accreditation Agency, and The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB).
The programme, held in Banjul from 1 to 5 June 2026, was officially opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. Representatives of Gambian public institutions, policymakers, sector representatives, academics, certification bodies, private sector stakeholders, and relevant partners attended the programme.
Organized under the theme “Fostering a Sustainable and Internationally Recognized National Halal Quality Infrastructure in The Gambia,” the programme aimed to support technical knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building in the fields of Halal standards, conformity assessment systems, certification, accreditation, and international recognition.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia Türker Oba, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Ali Kerim, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) İhsan Övüt, Director General of The Gambia Standards Bureau Papa Secka, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Abdoulie Jammeh, and Chairman of the Board of The Gambia Standards Bureau Dr. Ernest Aubee delivered remarks.
Within the scope of the programme, SMIIC experts provided technical training on OIC/SMIIC Halal standards, general requirements for Halal food, permitted additives and chemicals in Halal food, traceability and compliance requirements, requirements for restaurants, catering and food service facilities, as well as hygiene, storage, and serving conditions.
In the following sessions, TGSB experts received comprehensive training on conformity assessment requirements for Halal certification bodies, certification schemes for Halal products, accreditation processes, assessment procedures, and mechanisms for international recognition.
Through this programme, TiKA aims to contribute to strengthening The Gambia’s Halal quality infrastructure, supporting the implementation of internationally recognized standards, developing certification and accreditation capacity, and enhancing the competitiveness of Gambian products and services in the global Halal market. The programme is expected to serve as an important step toward increasing consumer confidence, facilitating trade, strengthening the investment environment, and supporting compliance with international standards in The Gambia.
The inauguration ceremony of the projects implemented at the Sectoral Training Center in Tunisia’s Nabeul Governorate and at the Training and Apprenticeship Center in Kelibia was held with high-level participation. The ceremony was attended by Tunisia’s Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Riyad Chaoued, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Nabeul Governor Hana Chouchani, Director General of the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training, Ilyes Cherif, and members of the press.
In recent years, Tunisia has entered a period marked by increasing demand for a qualified workforce, driven by technological and economic transformations in the labor market. In this context, enhancing the employability of the young population and training individuals equipped with the technical skills required by industry have become key priorities of the country’s development policies. Strengthening the vocational education infrastructure stands out as one of the most important tools in this transformation process.
Within the scope of these projects, a modern training and certification platform focusing on environmentally friendly technologies in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning has been established in Nabeul. Through this platform, it is aimed to train young people with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed in the sector. At the same time, the training content developed in line with environmental sustainability principles is intended to contribute to Tunisia’s green transition process.
At the Training and Apprenticeship Center in Kelibia, a Computer-Aided Textile Design Laboratory has been established to enhance digital production and design capacity in the textile sector. Thanks to this laboratory, students are expected to graduate with proficiency in modern software and production techniques, which will both increase their individual employment opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of Tunisia’s textile sector—one of its traditional yet strategic industries.
In his speech at the ceremony, Tunisia’s Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Riyad Chaoued, emphasized that cooperation with Türkiye has produced concrete and high-quality outcomes in the field of vocational education, noting that these projects are aligned with Tunisia’s national policies aimed at developing human capital. He also highlighted that previously established photovoltaic systems and diesel engine diagnostic platforms in the Sfax region have made significant contributions to youth employability, and that further progress is expected in areas such as electric mobility and industrial safety with the new projects.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, stated that these projects are a strong reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation between Türkiye and Tunisia. He noted that since 2013, Türkiye has implemented more than 200 projects in Tunisia, 20 of which are in the field of vocational education, covering sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and culture. Emphasizing that theoretical knowledge alone is not sufficient in vocational training, he underlined that practical skills play a decisive role in young people’s integration into the labor market.
The implemented projects are expected to contribute to Tunisia’s green transition and digitalization goals, support the reduction of youth unemployment, and enhance the availability of a skilled workforce.
TİKA continues to carry out projects in line with Tunisia’s national development priorities, particularly focusing on strengthening human capital, increasing youth employment, and advancing vocational education.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye in Vientiane, has carried out a meaningful humanitarian aid initiative in Laos.
The assistance was aimed at families affected by a severe hailstorm that struck in late March, impacting approximately 16,000 people and causing heavy damage to more than 4,000 homes. Essential supplies, including basic necessities, food items, and drinking water, were distributed to those in need.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Vientiane, Oya Yazar, together with Aly Vongnobountham, officially handed over 500 food packages and drinking water procured by TİKA to local authorities during a ceremony held at the Vientiane Governor’s Office. The aid was received by Vice Governor Vilayvone Chanthalaty, in the presence of representatives from the disaster management committee and relevant institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Governor expressed gratitude on behalf of the Vientiane administration and the disaster management committee to the Lao Women’s Union and the Government of Türkiye. She emphasized that the assistance would significantly contribute to alleviating the hardships faced by citizens affected by the hailstorm on the evening of March 22, 2026. She also highlighted that Türkiye was the first and only embassy to respond to the official call for aid.
Officials noted that, following the disaster, a broad range of stakeholders—including government institutions, local authorities, private sector representatives, and individuals—mobilized both in-kind and financial support. This collective effort has played an important role in helping restore normal living conditions for those affected.
In addition, senior officials and relevant institutions have visited the disaster-hit areas to provide moral support and deliver further assistance. Authorities continue to call on all segments of society to maintain solidarity and emphasize the importance of ongoing support to ensure a swift recovery for affected communities.
Sittwe & Hpa-An, Myanmar – March 2026 – The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has delivered essential food aid to 3,000 vulnerable Muslim families in Myanmar during the holy month of Ramadan.
The assistance, which included rice, cooking oil, beans, noodles, salt, flour, and sugar, reached communities in both Rakhine (Arakan) and Kayin States.
In Rakhine State, the aid targeted Rohingya Muslims in the city of Sittwe, who have been living in camps since the 2012 conflicts. TİKA distributed food packages to 994 families in the Mawleek, Aung Min Galar, Kondan, Kyawn Gyi Lan, and Kathe neighborhoods, as well as 506 families in the Manzi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp. In total, 1,500 families, approximately 6,500 people, benefited from the assistance. These packages help meet essential nutritional needs, especially for large households, during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, in Kayin State, TİKA provided food aid to 1,500 families in Hpa-An and six surrounding villages. Many of these families have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts, facing significant challenges in accessing food, shelter, and other basic necessities. The assistance aims to alleviate these hardships and support vulnerable communities in maintaining their livelihoods.
Altogether, the food distribution in Rakhine and Kayin States reached 3,000 families, approximately 13,000 people, reflecting TİKA’s commitment to humanitarian support during the holy month.
TİKA continues to carry out humanitarian and development programs around the world, providing aid to communities in need. The Ramadan initiative in Myanmar underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to support displaced and vulnerable populations, ensuring they can meet their basic nutritional needs during critical periods.
On 27 February 2026, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Lahore between TİKA and the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, for the rehabilitation of the Muhammad Iqbal Museum (Javed Manzil).
The signing ceremony was held in the garden of Javed Manzil — the residence personally built by Muhammad Iqbal and where he spent his final years which was later converted into a museum.
The ceremony was attended by Punjab Provincial Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah Kirmani, Ministerial Secretary for Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Sakrot Amman Rana, Consul General of Türkiye in Lahore Mehmet Eymen Şimşek, TİKA Pakistan Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna, and Director General of Archaeology Punjab Zaher Abbas Malik.
Minister Kirmani emphasized the symbolic and historical importance of preserving this unique residence — both built and inhabited by Muhammad Iqbal — in cooperation with Türkiye, especially as the 150th anniversary of Muhammad Iqbal’s birth approaches.
Consul General Mehmet Eymen Şimşek noted that Allama Muhammad Iqbal is a name inseparably associated with the city of Lahore and expressed Türkiye’s great satisfaction in contributing to a project that will carry Iqbal’s legacy to future generations.
In her remarks, TİKA Pakistan Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna underlined that Muhammad Iqbal is a towering intellectual and poet whose influence transcended borders and generations across the Muslim world. She also highlighted the remarkable intellectual connection between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Türkiye’s national poet Mehmed Akif Ersoy, noting that although they never had the opportunity to meet in person, they exchanged their works through mutual acquaintances. Mehmed Akif was known to frequently recite Iqbal’s poetry in gatherings and held deep admiration for his thought and literary genius.
The project to be implemented by TİKA represents not merely the restoration of a historic building, but a powerful cultural partnership between Türkiye and Pakistan aimed at preserving a shared intellectual heritage for future generations.
The food assistance programme for families in need in the Capital Region (Islamabad–Rawalpindi), Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was successfully completed within the scope of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency’s (TİKA) 2026 Ramadan activities in Pakistan.
Implemented in cooperation with three partner institutions, the project delivered food packages to a total of 2,000 families across three regions and eight cities.
Within the scope of the project, 1,000 families received food packages in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Mardan in cooperation with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal; 500 families benefited in Muzaffarabad and Haveli Kahuta in collaboration with the AJK Zakat Department; and 500 familiesreceived support in Lahore and Multan through Gazali Education Trust.
The Islamabad distribution programme was held on 25 February 2026 in cooperation with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Islamabad, İrfan Neziroğlu, and the TİKA Islamabad Programme Coordinator, Saliha Tuna. During the programme, Ambassador Neziroğlu had the opportunity to meet beneficiary families, exchange greetings, and extend Ramadan wishes. Ambassador Neziroğlu highlighted the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Türkiye and Pakistan, emphasizing that the two countries have always stood by each other in times of need. He stated that sharing the blessings of Ramadan further strengthens these strong bonds of brotherhood and expressed his sincere satisfaction with this solidarity.
TİKA’s Ramadan food assistance initiative contributed to meeting the essential food needs of low-income and orphan families while further strengthening the bonds of friendship and solidarity between Türkiye and Pakistan.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in cooperation with the Thailand Central Islamic Committee (CICOT), hosted an iftar dinner in the capital Bangkok during the holy month of Ramadan.
More than 400 guests attended the event, including President of the Privy Council of the Kingdom of Thailand General Surayud Chulanont, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Arun Boonchom Chularatchamontri, Minister of Culture of Thailand Sabeeda Thaised, Chairman of the Thailand–Türkiye Interparliamentary Friendship Group and Secretary General of the Thailand Central Islamic Committee Surin Palaree, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bangkok Julide Kayıhan, representatives of Turkish public institutions and companies in Thailand, officials from the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), and ambassadors from 16 Muslim countries.
The iftar program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and continued with speeches. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Julide Kayıhan emphasized that TİKA, as Türkiye’s development cooperation agency, carries out numerous projects and activities in fields ranging from education and healthcare to vocational training and agriculture.
President of the Privy Council General Surayud Chulanont underlined that a strong society is built not on uniformity but on embracing differences, justice, respect for human dignity, and courtesy. He extended his Ramadan greetings to all Muslims.
Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Arun Boonchom Chularatchamontri stated that Ramadan is a month of mercy and forgiveness and expressed his pleasure in sharing the iftar table with both Muslims and non-Muslims on this meaningful occasion. He also thanked the King and Queen of Thailand for their support to all Thai citizens regardless of religious belief, noting that Muslims in Thailand are able to practice their faith freely.
As part of the Thailand Ramadan Programs, TİKA delivered food aid packages to 500 families in need in the Songkhla region of southern Thailand, which had been affected by devastating floods two months earlier.
Within the framework of the Ramadan Food Package Distribution Program organized in cooperation with the Thailand Al Ihsan Al Khairiyah Foundation, 375 food packages were distributed at Nathab Mosque. Additionally, 125 students at As Salam Witttayanukroh School received food packages to take home.
The distribution ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Songkhla Province Parinda Palarae, TİKA officials, and executives of the Al Ihsan Al Khairiyah Foundation.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) is supporting both elephant health and the ecological balance of the region through the Sustainable Irrigation Project implemented at the National Elephant Conservation Center (NEC) in Thailand.
Elephants, symbols of Thai culture and history, play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and sustaining the country’s tourism economy. Approximately 120 elephants live at the NEC, each requiring daily nourishment amounting to 6–12 percent of their body weight. The herd consumes around 20 tons of grass every day, which is produced by farming families in four surrounding villages. However, water shortages—particularly during the dry season—have reduced feed quality, leading to an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses commonly observed among the elephants.
In cooperation with the NEC and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), TİKA has also contributed to expanding the Zero Waste Project by enabling clean energy production for local farmers.
The handover ceremony held at the National Elephant Conservation Center was attended by Center Director Dr. Taweepok Angkwanich, TICA Deputy Director Arunee Heim, TİKA representatives, local farmers, and two elephants named PumPong and SingKorn. In his remarks, Dr. Angkwanich provided background information on the project’s history and objectives. TICA Deputy Director Heim emphasized that the project aims to protect the environment through clean energy while increasing the production of essential elephant feed for the NEC’s management. She noted that residents of nearby villages such as Mae Tan Noi, Huai Rian, and Wo Kaeo are now able to utilize clean energy in agriculture. Speaking on behalf of local farmers, Panna Suksai stated that the project has reduced production costs for those cultivating elephant feed and has made organic feed production sustainable.
The solar-powered irrigation systems installed with TİKA’s support ensure clean and sustainable water supply for elephant feed plantations. Pumps operated by solar panels generate environmentally friendly energy while freeing farmers from dependence on costly fossil fuel-powered engines. The project also contributes to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems under Goal 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The initiative aims to improve elephant health, reduce medical expenses, and secure year-round income for local farmers. Through this project, TİKA not only supports the conservation of large herbivorous species such as elephants in Thailand, but also presents a sustainable model that empowers local communities and can serve as an example for other natural habitats.
