The Türkiye-Cameroon Friendship Park, built by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, was inaugurated with a ceremony.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Yaoundé, Volkan Öskiper; Douala Mayor, Roger Mbassa Ndine; TİKA’s Coordinator in Yaoundé, Melih Çağatay Artunay; and numerous guests attended the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Ambassador Öskiper emphasized that the Türkiye-Cameroon Friendship Park stands as a significant symbol of the strong ties between the two nations and expressed his hope that the park would serve as a valuable space for the people of Douala.
Douala Mayor Ndine expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s development assistance to Cameroon, stating that the Friendship Park would further strengthen the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Yaoundé Çağatay emphasized that the project was designed not only to create a park but also to provide a space where Cameroonians could enhance their daily lives, host cultural activities, and foster social connections.
Highlighting the project’s broader purpose, Çağatay stated, “With this initiative, we sought to contribute to the friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and Cameroon by offering a modern, multifunctional park open to the public. Through Friendship Park, we aimed to address the social and recreational needs of the people of Douala while enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) installed biology, chemistry, and foreign language laboratories at ‘Bido Sejko’ Regional School in the town of Konispol.
A ceremony was held at ‘Bido Sejko’ Regional School to mark the occasion, attended by the Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana, Tayyar Kağan Atay; Mayor of Konispol, Ergest Dule; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana, Mustafa Ata; Education Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, Dr. Metin Bulut; President of the Alsar Foundation, Mehdi Gurra; as well as school administrators, teachers and students.
Through this project, TİKA has strengthened the school’s science laboratories (biology and chemistry) by enhancing their physical infrastructure and raising laboratory standards to promote analytical thinking alongside theoretical knowledge. Additionally, the newly established foreign language laboratory supports after-school Turkish courses and other language programs, which have been ongoing since 2016, making language education more effective and engaging.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Dule, an alumnus of the school, expressed his gratitude to TİKA for its contributions to the school’s infrastructure, technology, and innovation. He also conveyed his eagerness to collaborate on future projects.
Ambassador Atay thanked the Mayor and school administrators for the opportunity to cooperate on this project, emphasizing his pleasure in contributing to students’ education through these laboratories, which he described as a gift from the Turkish people to the Albanian people.
Alsar Foundation President Mehdi Gurra, whose organization has provided various forms of support to the school, stated “As the Albanian community, we deeply appreciate Türkiye and TİKA for their continuous support.”
During the ceremony, students recited poems in both Turkish and Albanian, and traditional music and dance performances were held.
About ‘Bido Sejko’ Regional School
Founded in the 1971–1972 academic year, ‘Bido Sejko’ Regional School is a public institution providing primary, secondary, and high school education in Konispol.
The school currently has 92 students in primary school (grades 1–5), 105 students in middle school (grades 6–9), and 106 students in high school (grades 10–12). It also serves students from surrounding towns and villages, who attend classes through a designated transportation system.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a modern educational center for children and youth has been established in Koura, Lebanon.
Thousands of people displaced from southern Lebanon due to Israeli attacks have sought safety in Koura, significantly impacting the region’s education system as many families took refuge in public schools. As a result, numerous children faced the risk of being cut off from their education.
To address this challenge, the first two floors of a building in the town of Kfarhazir were transformed into a modern educational and activity center. In addition to classrooms, the facility includes social activity spaces and playgrounds. Furthermore, furniture and educational materials were provided to ensure that children could continue their education without interruption.
An opening ceremony was held
The Darb Al-Asfour Education Center, established with the support of TİKA, was officially inaugurated in Kfarhazir, Koura, Lebanon. The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut, Murat Lütem; Koura MP, Adib Abdel Massih; Kfarhazir Mayor, Fawzi Al-Maalouf, and numerous other guests.
In his speech, Ambassador Lütem highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Lebanon, stressing the significance of strengthening these friendly relations through vital areas such as education.
Koura MP Massih underscored the negative impact of displaced children being deprived of education on the social fabric, emphasizing that this project plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued learning.
About the project
At the education center, children will receive academic instruction while also developing their social skills. Additionally, the center will offer training programs for parents in areas such as health, childcare, and culinary arts. As a result, the project will serve not only as a learning hub for children but also as a resource for enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
Beyond academic support, the center creates a space for children from Koura and displaced families to connect, encouraging a sense of belonging and unity.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 children and young people each year.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Yeryüzü Doktorları (Doctors Worldwide Türkiye) conducted mobile health screenings in Cambodia, enhancing access to essential healthcare services.
In collaboration with TİKA, Yeryüzü Doktorları, and local partner Cambodia HBB Aid Organization, comprehensive medical services were provided in the Ou Reang Ov, Ponhea Kraek, Kandal, and Pursat districts between January 20-29, 2025.
As part of the health screenings, 2,446 people received medical evaluations, with a particular focus on children and families. The initiative prioritized vaccination programs, nutritional assessments, and general health check-ups.
In collaboration with local doctors, the program not only assessed individuals’ health conditions but also provided training sessions for healthcare professionals in the region.
This healthcare initiative, carried out by TİKA and Yeryüzü Doktorları, aimed to strengthen early diagnosis and intervention efforts while supporting Cambodia’s local health system.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) supplied laparoscopy devices and equipment to the Regional Hospital of Elbasan, Albania.
With the addition of this medical equipment, the 400-bed hospital—serving approximately 400,000 people—can now perform laparoscopic surgeries in both general surgery and gynecology departments.
A ceremony was held to mark the delivery of the equipment, attended by Albania’s Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, Entela Ramosaçaj; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana, Tayyar Kağan Atay; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana, Mustafa Ata; Elbasan Regional Hospital Director, Agron Gaxho; and hospital medical staff.
Deputy Minister Ramosaçaj, a doctor herself, thanked Türkiye and TİKA, emphasizing that the newly provided medical equipment would reduce the risk of infection in surgeries, enable faster patient recovery, and help individuals return to their daily lives more quickly.
Ambassador Atay highlighted that Türkiye’s support for Albania’s healthcare infrastructure extends beyond the capital to surrounding cities as well. He noted that the laparoscopy equipment provided to Elbasan Regional Hospital would enhance the hospital’s surgical capabilities and expressed satisfaction with Türkiye’s contribution.
Elbasan Regional Hospital serves 400,000 patients annually
Elbasan Regional Hospital, which treats patients from various cities across Albania, provides healthcare services to approximately 400,000 people each year through its 20 specialized departments. The hospital performs around 2,000 surgical procedures annually, while approximately 1,500 births take place in its gynecology department.
With a medical staff of 600, including 95 doctors, the hospital aims to enhance patient care by expanding its service capacity with the modern medical equipment provided by TİKA.
The Mihail Ciachir Library in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, which promotes Gagauz culture, literature, history and traditions, has been renovated and officially reopened with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Established in 1992 within the B.P. Hasdeu Municipal Library, the facility underwent comprehensive renovation and modernization as part of TİKA’s restoration project.
The opening ceremony was attended by Chisinau Mayor, Ion Ceban; TİKA’s Vice President, Dr. Mahmut Çevik; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Chisinau, Uygar Mustafa Sertel; as well as members of the Moldovan Writers’ Union, scholars, academicians, and representatives of relevant institutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban highlighted the successful projects implemented by TİKA in the city and stated:
“We have collaborated with TİKA in various fields, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and culture. These projects have made significant contributions to the people of Chisinau. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to TİKA for its support.”
“We are happy to contribute to Gagauz culture”
TİKA’s Vice President Dr. Mahmut Çevik shared his thoughts on the project, stating:
“Today, we are inaugurating a library named after Mihail Ciachir, a prominent figure in intellectual and religious Gagauz history. We are honored to contribute to a project dedicated to this distinguished individual, who devoted his life to the development of the Gagauz language and history and made contributions to Moldovan literature.”
About Mihail Ciachir
Mihail Ciachir was one of the most influential figures in Bessarabia’s cultural, educational, scientific, journalistic, and religious life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A prominent intellectual of Gagauz origin, he dedicated his life to educating diverse communities in Bessarabia, promoting literacy in both religious studies and native languages.
He is also recognized for his spiritual and moral leadership among the Gagauz people. His extensive research on the Gagauz language and history and his efforts to introduce the Gagauz culture to the world were instrumental, as reflected in the first books and newspapers published in Gagauz Turkish.
Respected throughout Moldova, especially in Gagauzia, Mihail Ciachir stands as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different cultures.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has successfully completed a water system project in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The project provides a long-term solution to the community’s critical need for clean and safe drinking water.
Mvezo, globally recognized as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has faced severe water shortages for years. Relying on the Mbhashe River, a shared water source for both domestic use and livestock, residents were exposed to serious health risks. Many had to walk more than two kilometers daily to fetch water, while others endured the high financial costs of water deliveries. The lack of reliable access to clean water has not only affected public health but has also hindered socio-economic development in the region.
To address this challenge, TİKA carried out a comprehensive upgrade of Mvezo’s deteriorating water distribution system. As part of the project, a borehole was fully equipped, enabling it to produce 259,200 liters of clean water in just 12 hours— more than double the daily demand of 130,000 liters, ensuring both current and future water needs are met. The water distribution network was also modernized with the installation of new pipes, valves, and fittings, while damaged infrastructure was replaced. Additionally, new water taps were strategically positioned to enhance accessibility, and rigorous water quality testing was conducted to ensure the supply meets all health and safety standards for consumption.
This enhanced water system marks a transformation for the people of Mvezo. It eliminates reliance on the Mbhashe River, greatly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, and eases the time-consuming and physically demanding task of fetching water.
The project was officially inaugurated at a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela of the Mandela Royal House, a TİKA representative, Türkiye’s Ambassador to South Africa Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç and local leaders.
Chief Zwelivelile Mandela expressed his deep gratitude to TİKA, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the people of Türkiye for their support. He commended Türkiye’s development approach, which prioritizes mutual respect and sustainability, and emphasized the sacred nature of water as an essential resource for health, dignity, and development. Mandela also urged the community to cherish and safeguard the new water system, ensuring its benefits for future generations.
Ambassador Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç expressed her gratitude to Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, the Mvezo Traditional Council, and TİKA, commending their joint efforts in making the project a success. She highlighted the broader global water crisis, emphasizing that billions of people worldwide still lack access to clean water, which makes this initiative in Mvezo—honoring President Mandela’s legacy—even more significant. Ambassador Yıldırımgeç also urged the community to preserve and maintain the water system, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
“It is a tremendous honor for TİKA to contribute to the well-being of the people of Mvezo and to uphold the legacy of President Mandela,” said the TİKA representative, emphasizing that access to water is a fundamental human right.
This project exemplifies TİKA’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation. Providing Mvezo residents with reliable access to clean water, the project not only enhances their quality of life but also pays tribute to Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided aid packages containing essential food and hygiene supplies to 1,700 families in the areas most severely affected by the floods in Colombia.
As the climate crisis continues to pose a growing threat to Latin American countries, extreme rainfall in Colombia has further intensified the need for emergency assistance, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities. The devastating floods that struck at the end of 2024 impacted a total of 40,000 families, leading to the government to declare a year-long state of emergency.
Accordingly, TİKA delivered aid packages to ease the impact of the floods in the city of Riohacha, located in the La Guajira administrative region of Colombia, during a ceremony.
The event was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, Beste Pehlivan Sun; National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) Director, Carlos Alberto Carrillo; Riohacha Mayor, Genaro Redondo Choles; and officials from TİKA’s Colombia Program Coordination Office.
In the first phase of distribution, aid supplies were delivered to 500 families in rural areas of Riohacha, as part of a broader initiative that will ultimately support a total of 8,500 people.
Strategic Cooperation in Bilateral Relations
Speaking at the ceremony, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo extended his greetings to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating: “Colombia and Türkiye are experiencing a highly positive period in their bilateral relations. TİKA’s contributions to peace, regional development, and emergency response are further strengthening our strategic partnership. I see great potential to enhance our cooperation through shared agendas, particularly in South-South Cooperation.
Beste Pehlivan Sun, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, stated: “TİKA’s initiatives contribute to peace and prosperity across different regions of Colombia. Following the flood disaster, we responded swiftly to Foreign Minister Murillo’s request for assistance from the Turkish authorities and prepared these aid packages. Through this humanitarian project, we have once again strengthened the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Colombia.” Referring to the assistance provided by UNGRD during the earthquake disaster in Türkiye, she added “We will never forget this support.”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Bogotá Merve Zengin stated, “Operating in more than 150 countries, TİKA serves as Türkiye’s helping hand. Our projects aimed at fostering prosperity and peace play a key role in our strategic partnership with Colombia. Flood relief efforts represent not just technical cooperation but also solidarity between nations.”
“Türkiye’s support has elevated our cooperation beyond humanitarian aid, demonstrating that we are stronger together,” said UNGRD Director Carlos Alberto Carrillo, emphasizing that the assistance was directed toward the most vulnerable communities in the La Guajira and Chocó regions.
Local Community Expresses Gratitude
Following the ceremony, 500 aid packages were distributed to the Panterramana, Kamuchasain, and Jayaktama communities in the village of Kamuchasain, home to the Wayuu indigenous people. Foreign Minister Murillo stated, “With Türkiye’s swift response, we have once again witnessed the strength of our bilateral relations. We extend our gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye.”
A Kamuchasain community leader also conveyed his thanks, saying: “Our village is home to an ethnocultural school that plays a crucial role in our children’s education. Addressing our needs was essential, and we are deeply grateful to Türkiye for this support.”
The program concluded with a traditional dance performance by the Wayuu children.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed the renovation and equipping of the Nursing Home in Fier, Albania, officially opening the upgraded sections of the facility.
The inauguration visit to the nursing home was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tirana, Tayyar Kağan Atay; TİKA’s Coordinator in Tirana, Mustafa Ata; Deputy Mayor of Fier, Suela Prifti; Director of the Fier Nursing Home, Dorina Gjino; Education Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, Dr. Metin Bulut; officials from the Türkiye-Albania Fier Friendship Hospital, hospital doctors, and elderly residents of the care home.
Ambassador Atay, who met with the elderly following the visit to the renovated areas, emphasized the deep-rooted brotherhood and friendship between the Turkish and Albanian peoples, which dates back centuries. He stated that activities are carried out within this framework and that the project completed by TİKA has contributed to improving the daily lives of the elderly, allowing them to rest in a more comfortable environment.
“We would like to thank the Turkish people for this project implemented by TİKA. It has not only improved the lives of our elderly but also enabled us to provide them with higher-quality care,” said Gjino, Director of the Nursing Home.
Health screenings for nursing home residents
Before the inauguration ceremony, doctors from the Türkiye-Albania Fier Friendship Hospital—built in Fier with Türkiye’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic—conducted health screenings for the elderly residents of the nursing home.
As part of the project, the nursing home’s bedrooms, dining hall, TV room, terrace lounge, infirmary, and laundry room were renovated and equipped with essential facilities.
Originally built in 1950 and repurposed as a nursing home in 1960, ‘Fier Nursing Home’ is the largest facility of its kind in Albania with a capacity of 55 residents.
The nursing home comprises 29 rooms in total and is divided into separate sections for men and women.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided essential equipment to the Honduran National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF) as part of the ‘Forest Pest Management Program’.
In 2013, Honduras faced a devastating outbreak of the Dendroctonus frontalis bark beetle, which spread rapidly and inflicted severe damage on the country’s pine forests. Due to prolonged drought, the infestation is estimated to have destroyed a quarter of Honduras’ pine forests. In response to this environmental crisis, Honduran authorities sought TİKA’s support in 2016 to combat the threat effectively.
Biological control with the Ömer Halisdemir Laboratory
In 2017, TİKA established the first biological control laboratory in Central America at the ICF in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Named after July 15th martyr Ömer Halisdemir, the laboratory began producing a predatory insect species capable of combating the pine bark beetle infestation, which had severely damaged the country’s forests. By releasing these natural predators into the forest, a chemical-free pest control method was developed, helping to protect the ecosystem while effectively managing the infestation. This approach initially yielded positive results. However, unfavorable conditions during the pandemic led to a resurgence of forest pests.
Drone-assisted fight against forest pests
When Honduran authorities once again requested support, TİKA provided comprehensive assistance to enhance the fight against forest pests. In December 2024, the ICF Ömer Halisdemir Laboratory received advanced technological equipment, including drones (UAVs), chainsaws, insect traps, bark peelers, and test tubes for forest inspection and pest control.
Gratitude to Türkiye and TİKA
The equipment was delivered during a ceremony attended by TİKA experts, Honduran officials, and ICF employees. In her speech, Annya Melissa Chavez, Director of the National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development and Wildlife of Honduras, expressed her deep gratitude for Türkiye’s long-standing support. She emphasized that the technical equipment provided by Türkiye would have a significant long-term impact on forest conservation.
Following the ceremony, ICF officials gave a presentation to TİKA experts, highlighting the crucial role of TİKA’s support in combating forest pests. They also expressed their willingness to continue exchanging knowledge with Türkiye and strengthen future cooperation.
A memorandum of understanding between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) was signed in a ceremony held in Ankara. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in various fields and facilitate the development of joint projects.
The signing ceremony took place at TİKA Headquarters with the participation of TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar, IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn, and delegations from both organizations.
A protocol aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two institutions, along with a memorandum of understanding to develop joint projects in various fields—including food and water security, agriculture and rural development, and biotechnology—was signed by TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar and IOFS Director General Ambassador Berik Aryn. The agreement particularly emphasizes sustainable development goals and humanitarian priorities in member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, TİKA’s President, Kayalar highlighted the significance of the memorandum in reinforcing institutional cooperation. He emphasized that the collaboration between TİKA and IOFS will play a crucial role in international initiatives undertaken within this framework.
“With the strength this memorandum of understanding provides, we will work to share the expertise of IOFS and TİKA with third countries on food security issues in Africa, South America, and other regions,” Kayalar stated.
IOFS Director General Aryn emphasized that the memorandum of understanding marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration and partnership. He stated, “We have an excellent partnership with TİKA. This memorandum will hopefully enable us to enhance our cooperation and expand our areas of collaboration even further.”
Under the agreement, projects will be implemented to combat poverty, strengthen food security, and address environmental challenges.
These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in advancing development goals both regionally and globally.
As part of the protocol, the two institutions will engage in joint activities, including domestic and international training programs, study visits, and workshops. Additionally, they will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise to further reinforce their cooperation.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a state-of-the-art technology classroom at School No. 1 in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii province, aligning it with modern education standards.
Founded in 1940, School No. 1 currently educates 1,500 students. Under Mongolia’s national education curriculum, technology courses are mandatory from Grade 6 to Grade 12. However, due to the lack of a dedicated classroom, technology lessons at the school had previously been limited to theoretical instruction. Thanks to the project implemented by TİKA, students can now engage in hands-on learning.
The initiative aims to provide children in rural areas with equal access to digital education, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their peers in urban centers. By introducing students to technology at an early age, the project also seeks to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Bayan-Ölgii’s only fully equipped technology classroom”
Principal Berikbol Habdola of School No. 1 highlighted TİKA’s significant contributions to education in the region, particularly in areas with a high Kazakh population. He stated:
“TİKA has established a modern technology classroom at our school. Previously, technology lessons were taught only theoretically. However, thanks to this project, we now have a dedicated classroom designed for hands-on training. Not only is it one of the model classrooms at our school, but it is also the only fully equipped technology classroom in Bayan-Ölgii province that facilitates both practical training and production. This classroom will benefit not only our 1,500 current students but also thousands more who will begin their education here in the coming years.”
Principal Habdola expressed the enthusiasm of students, teachers, and parents for the project, stating “We sincerely thank the Turkish people and TİKA for this invaluable contribution.”
