Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Hungarian Aid Agency, affiliated with Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic development partnership.
The signing ceremony at TİKA Headquarters was attended by TİKA President Serkan Kayalar; Hungarian Aid Agency General Manager, Péter Kovács; Undersecretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tristan Azbej; Hungarian Ambassador to Ankara, Viktor Matis; and TİKA’s Head of Foreign Relations and Partnerships, Uğur Tanyeli.
The memorandum of understanding, aimed at fostering cooperation between the two countries across various fields and developing joint projects, was signed by TİKA President Serkan Kayalar and Hungarian Aid Agency General Manager Péter Kovács.
Under the memorandum of understanding, cooperation is planned in various fields, including education, healthcare, cultural heritage preservation, women’s empowerment, vocational training and climate initiatives.
The agreement seeks to deepen the existing relationship between the two countries and enhance collaboration on international development aid.
The Hungarian Aid Agency, a state institution established in 2019, has been operating under the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade since 2022.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated the Manuscript and Rare Works Library at Punjab University, which houses over 22,000 manuscripts, as part of its Manuscript Preservation Program in Pakistan.
As part of the project undertaken by TİKA, a compact cabinet system, updated lighting and air conditioning were installed in the library’s archive section. Additionally, modern cleaning equipment was provided, ensuring the library meets the necessary standards for manuscript preservation.
The opening ceremony for the project was attended by Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, Ali Erbaş; Punjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Halit Mamud; TİKA’s Coordinator in Islamabad, Muhsin Balcı; Head of the Book Hospital and Archive Department of the Turkish Manuscripts Institution, Dr. Nil Baydar, along with academicians and members of the press.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Erbaş highlighted Punjab University’s remarkable manuscript collection, stating that the project, along with efforts in preservation and digitization, will help uncover many lesser-known works of Islamic civilization.
Prof. Dr. Mahmud noted that Punjab University holds Pakistan’s largest collection with 22,000 manuscripts and expressed gratitude to TİKA for their support in preserving these invaluable works through the project.
To encourage women’s entrepreneurial activities in Palestine, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has supplied equipment to unions and associations with women members.
Through a collaboration between TİKA and the South Hebron Chamber of Commerce, based in one of Palestine’s largest governorates, projects are being developed under the “Palestinian Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Program” to increase women’s participation in the economy.
As part of the program, TİKA provided equipment support to women’s unions and associations in Hebron.
In total, 14 women’s associations and business owners operating in 5 different towns in Hebron received various equipment, including olive crushing, grape pressing and grain grinding machines as well as dough mixers, mincing machines, steam boiler irons, printing machines and sewing and overlock machines.
Public relations and media department established
To support production processes, enhance the promotion and marketing capabilities of these associations and businesses and help them reach wider audiences with their products, a public relations and media department has been established within the South Hebron Chamber of Commerce. This department will provide training and consultancy services to women producers on marketing strategies and effective communication with the media.
As part of the program, TİKA has previously implemented projects such as the “Producing Women’s Kitchen and Training Hall” and the “Traditional Palestinian Products Market,” both aimed at increasing women’s participation in economic life.
The renovation work at the Hazret Omar Mosque in Benin, carried out by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has been successfully completed.
In Benin, where a significant portion of the population is Muslim, there are limited facilities for young people to meet their religious and social needs due to financial constraints.
Solidarity activities centered around the mosque play a key role in bringing people together and shaping social life.
In this context, Beninese Muslim students, who gather around the Hazret Omar Mosque, which serves as both a social center and a place of worship, unite Muslim university and high school students from across Benin under an umbrella association they have established.
Beninese youth call for TİKA’s support
Young members of the Benin Muslim Students Cultural Association have reached out to TİKA, through the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Cotonou, seeking support to address the capacity, insulation, infrastructure and equipment deficiencies of the mosque they use for various purposes. The mosque, built with limited resources, serves as an important center for the community.
TİKA, responding positively to the call for assistance from Beninese Muslim students, initiated the renovation of the Hazret Omar Mosque.
Both the interior and exterior facades of the mosque were refurbished with roof repairs, insulation and the installation of a multi-purpose terrace completed.
In addition to providing a water tank, water connection lines were laid, and the ablution facilities and toilets were swiftly renovated.
Finally, the necessary sound systems were installed, and paving stones were laid around the mosque.
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the newly renovated Association Center and Mosque was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Cotonou, Mesut Koç; President of the Benin Islamic Union, Imam Idrissou Lemanou Boukary; and TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat.
In his speech at the ceremony, Imam Boukary expressed that they have always felt the strong support of Türkiye.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat provided information about the project and thanked all those who contributed to its success.
Ambassador Koç highlighted Türkiye’s development assistance efforts in Benin and emphasized that TİKA’s activities in the region will continue.
The project aims to provide better conditions for the hundreds of young people who come to the Hazret Omar Mosque for worship as well as to encourage social activities organized by the association.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established 23 greenhouses, each measuring one hundred square meters, for women farmers in Kosovo.
The ceremony held in the village of Dobrusha, part of the Istog Municipality, was attended by TİKA’s Vice President, Mahmut Çevik; Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, Emilija Redžepi; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Pristina, Sabri Tunç Angılı; TİKA’s Coordinator in Pristina, Fulya Aslan; Vaš Kutak Women’s Association Vice President, Anesa Abazović and local farmers.
In his speech, TİKA Vice President Çevik noted that they have implemented numerous projects aimed at the development of all ethnic groups living in the Balkans.
He stated that they have carried out over 50 agricultural production support projects in Kosovo and added, “We promise to always support the agricultural production of our women and girls, which will contribute to the economy of Kosovo through our projects and programs.”
“This is proof that Bosnians and Turks have been brotherly peoples for centuries”
Deputy Prime Minister Redžepi remarked that women farmers are smiling thanks to TİKA’s support stating, “This is proof that Bosnians and Turks have been brotherly peoples for centuries.”
Ambassador Angılı also emphasized that the production of women farmers will contribute to the Kosovo economy stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to TİKA for this project, which brings together women and agricultural production. I believe this is of great importance for Kosovo to become a stronger and more prosperous country in the future.”
Vaš Kutak Women’s Association Vice President Abazović emphasized that the greenhouses established with TİKA’s support will help improve the community’s living standards and strengthen agricultural production.
As part of the “Greenhouse Support for Women Farmers in Istog Municipality Project,” TİKA established 23 greenhouses each measuring one hundred square meters for women farmers, most of whom are Bosnian members of the Vaš Kutak Women’s Association.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) signed a memorandum of understanding in Ankara to enhance collaboration in the field of statistics and to implement technical assistance initiatives.
The signing ceremony, held at TİKA headquarters in Ankara, was attended by Serkan Kayalar, President of TİKA; Dr. Erhan Çetinkaya, President of TurkStat and delegations from both institutions.
The protocol aims to further develop and strengthen the long-standing cooperation between the two organizations and provide technical assistance to countries seeking to enhance their statistical capacities. Additionally, joint activities, including domestic and international training programs, study visits and workshops, will be organized as part of the protocol.
In his speech at the signing ceremony, TİKA President Serkan Kayalar emphasized the significance of the memorandum of understanding in strengthening the cooperation between the two institutions. He noted that the agreement would facilitate the more effective and efficient transfer of both institutions’ knowledge and expertise to beneficiary countries on an international scale.
Kayalar also expressed his belief that the agreement would further deepen the existing cooperation and friendship between the two organizations.
TurkStat President Dr. Erhan Çetinkaya expressed his satisfaction with the memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions, noting that joint projects and activities will be implemented to share Türkiye’s expertise in the field of statistics with countries seeking to enhance their national statistical systems.
Through the protocol, TİKA and TurkStat aim to transfer technical knowledge and foster collaboration on mutually agreed-upon areas, ultimately strengthening bilateral relations and expanding technical cooperation opportunities in the field of statistics.
In this regard, the collaboration between the two institutions is considered crucial for enhancing the institutional framework of statistical services in the countries receiving technical assistance. It will also support efforts toward digital transformation and the development of data collection, processing and publishing methods in line with international standards across various statistical fields.
Through the TİKA-TurkStat partnership, knowledge and experience-sharing programs have been implemented in numerous countries including Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia and Vietnam. Most recently, in August 2024, 45 trainees were trained in Uzbekistan on the development of “International Trade in Goods and Services Statistics” and “Tourism Statistics” as part of the TİKA-TurkStat collaboration. As a continuation of this program, a 10-member Uzbek delegation is set to receive further training at TurkStat, while a training session on “Institutional and Digital Transformation in Statistics” is planned for Djibouti under the same cooperation framework.
Since 2022, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has been setting up “Technoclass” innovation classrooms in schools across the Republic of Moldova, equipping them with modern, state-of-the-art technology.
Following the visit of deputies from the Türkiye-Moldova Friendship Group of the Moldovan Parliament to Türkiye, a demand emerged for the establishment of sample laboratories in various regions of Moldova. As part of this project, which aligns with the “Model School Project” implemented by the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Moldova, laboratories have been set up in five schools.
To date, modern laboratories specializing in physics, chemistry and biology have been made available to students at the following schools: Chisinau’s “Mircea Eliade Theoretical High School,” Floresht’s “Ion Creanga Theoretical High School,” Ceadîr-Lunga’s “Mihail Çakir Theoretical High School,” Kongaz’s “Suleyman Demirel Turkish-Moldovan High School” and Drokia’s “Mihai Eminescu Theoretical High School.”
The Moldovan education system is being enhanced by creating environments where young people can access technological and scientific innovations on par with their peers in developed countries. These modernized schools allow students to cultivate their innovative skills in facilities equipped with the latest technologies.
Renovated Physics Laboratory
TİKA has renovated and equipped the Physics Laboratory at M. Eminescu Drokia High School in Drokia City.
The opening ceremony for the project was attended by Muhammed Ünal, Head of TİKA’s Balkans and Eastern Europe Department (BADA); Marina Morozova, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova; Marcelina Baleca, Head of the General Education Policy Department of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova; Vasile Cemortan, Governor of Drokia Region; Vitalie Josanu, Drokia Officer of the Prime Ministry of the Republic of Moldova; and Sergiu Prodan, Principal of M. Eminescu Drokia High School.
Speaking at the event, Ünal, Head of the BADA Department stated that as part of the Model School Project carried out by the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Moldova, TİKA has established innovation classrooms following the “Technoclass” concept in the Chisinau, Floresht, Ceadîr-Lunga, Kongaz and Drokia regions.
Launched in 2022, the project provides a dynamic and enriched learning experience in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology, aiming to empower both educators and students.
MP Morozova expressed her satisfaction with the renovation of the physics laboratory, which has been equipped with modern facilities by TİKA after many years. She stated that the project is an excellent example of how quickly things can change.
High School Principal Prodan conveyed his gratitude to the Turkish people and TİKA for realizing this important project, which is essential for practical training.
He also added that the laboratory will serve as a model for how laboratories in other high schools across the country should be designed.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established a “Vocational Training and Production Unit” in the town of Saga, Niamey. The unit, equipped with sewing and embroidery machines as well as a sales office, is designed to support vocational training programs for girls at the Saga Orphanage, which is home to nearly 250 orphans.
In Niger, where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line according to international statistics, the rising number of orphans—due to premature deaths and poverty—has become one of the country’s pressing issues.
In addition to the limited formal education provided, the orphanage management organizes various vocational training programs to equip the children with valuable skills and to steer them away from common issues such as begging and theft.
With the vocational unit established on the existing orphanage campus, TİKA supports children receiving vocational training to pursue their professions after completing their formal education, helping them achieve economic independence. Additionally, it is planned that part of the revenue generated from this initiative will be used to meet the needs of other children in the orphanage and to organize new vocational training programs.
The opening and handover ceremony of the workshop, built by TİKA for the orphans of Saga, was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Niamey, Özgür Çınar; TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat; orphanage officials and local administrators.
In his speech, Ambassador Çınar emphasized the significance of the project in helping orphaned children earn a livelihood by integrating them into professional life and he conveyed messages of cooperation, unity and solidarity.
Orphanage officials and local administrators also expressed their gratitude for Türkiye’s support and kindness toward the people of Niger, expressing hope that the cooperation between Türkiye and Niger will continue to grow.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) handed over greenhouses established as part of the “Greenhouse Cultivation Development Project” to local farmers in Montenegro. The aim of the project is to strengthen agricultural production in the country. The handover ceremonies took place in the municipalities of Berane, Petnjica and Pljevlja.
TİKA has been supporting greenhouse production in Montenegro since 2015 as part of the “Support Program for Food Security and Life Safety in the Balkans and Eastern European Countries”. Through the “Greenhouse Cultivation Development Project,” TİKA aims to increase agricultural production in the region and enhance the efficiency of local farmers. To date, approximately 300 greenhouses have been delivered to local producers under this initiative.
The delivery ceremonies for the greenhouses were attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Podgorica, Barış Kalkavan; TİKA’s Coordinator in Montenegro, Nihal Ersoy; Petnjica Mayor, Samir Agović; Montenegro’s Director of Agriculture, Miroslav Cimbaljević from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Affairs; Director of the Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Health Administration, Vladimir Đaković, as well as the greenhouse owners.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Ambassador Kalkavan emphasized that TİKA has been supporting agricultural development in Montenegro through its projects and activities for 17 years, contributing to the economic empowerment of local producers and promoting the spread of sustainable agricultural practices.
TİKA Coordinator Ersoy emphasized in her speech that they prioritize projects aimed at improving agricultural employment and preventing external migration in Montenegro. She also noted that careful consideration was given in selecting the entrepreneurs who received the greenhouses as part of the project.
Cimbaljević noted that TİKA has implemented significant projects in Montenegro in areas such as fruit cultivation, beekeeping, greenhouse farming, olive production and raspberry cultivation. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Affairs of Montenegro for TİKA’s support, particularly for helping families in need through greenhouse farming initiatives.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated Rehabilitation Department Number 1 within the Experimental Prosthesis, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Center (CREPOR), the only facility in Moldova specializing in prosthetics.
The center, which also houses a prosthetics factory established in 1945 to meet the needs of World War II victims, provides services to over 55,000 war veterans, including 11,800 veterans from Afghanistan and Transnistria.
In addition to serving war veterans, the center provides treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities and musculoskeletal disorders. It offers a range of services, including physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy, balneotherapy, thermotherapy, ionotherapy, bath therapy and other medical treatments.
As part of the project conducted in collaboration between TİKA and CREPOR, a comprehensive renovation of Rehabilitation Department No. 1 was completed first. In the second phase of the project, new furniture and medical equipment were supplied.
The opening ceremony was attended by Uygar Mustafa Sertel, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Chișinău; Muhammed Ünal, the Head of TİKA’s Balkans and Eastern Europe Department; Adrian Belîi, Head of the Health and Social Security Commission of the Republic of Moldova; Boris Marcoci, Deputy of the Republic of Moldova; Constantin Covrig, Veterans Advisor to the Prime Minister of Moldova; and Veronica Lebedinski, Director of the CREPOR Center.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Sertel noted that he had visited CREPOR a year ago and was delighted to see the center’s current condition.
He emphasized that Türkiye was actively supporting the Republic of Moldova in various areas and mentioned that tangible results had been achieved through the projects implemented by TİKA.
BEED Head Ünal noted that out of nearly 500 projects and activities implemented since the opening of the TİKA Chișinău Program Coordination Office in 1994, 50 were in the field of health.
He expressed his satisfaction that patients receiving treatment at the renovated and fully equipped 40-bed Rehabilitation Center No. 1 could quickly return to their daily lives and resume their activities.
CREPOR Director Lebedinski expressed her gratitude to TİKA and the Republic of Türkiye for implementing such an important project. She also conveyed her satisfaction with the opportunities now available to patients as a result of the renovations carried out in the section, which had not been updated in 22 years. She noted that war veterans, in particular, benefit from the improvements made in this area and expressed her excitement about the enhanced services they will receive as a result.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) organized a two-week sewing training program for people with disabilities at the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Center, run by the Botswana Red Cross Society.
Previously, TİKA had supplied the center’s sewing workshop with nine sewing machines and three overlock machines. As part of the project, a two-week training program was launched, along with the provision of fabrics and necessary equipment to support the center’s activities.
The training program was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Gaborone, Ahmet İdem Akay; TİKA’s Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan; Secretary General of the Botswana Red Cross Society, Kutlwano Mukokomani, board members, instructors and students from the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Center, as well as representatives from Botswana TV and various newspapers.
In his speech, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Gaborone, Ahmet İdem Akay, highlighted the projects that TİKA had previously implemented in the country and affirmed that Türkiye would continue supporting the development of Botswana.
Speaking at the opening, TİKA’s Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan highlighted various vocational training programs and projects TİKA has implemented for people with disabilities in the region, noting that the agency’s activities in Botswana have intensified each year.
Botswana Red Cross Society Secretary General Kutlwano Mukokomani discussed the efforts of the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Center to support the rehabilitation of disabled individuals. He also acknowledged past contributions and expressed his gratitude to TİKA for its continued support.
After the speeches, the training area was inaugurated, new fabrics and equipment were delivered and the training program commenced.
About the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Center
The Tlamelong Rehabilitation Center has been providing vocational training for individuals with disabilities since 1974, offering courses in tailoring, gardening, cooking and poultry farming. Currently, 36 disabled individuals aged 18 to 35 from various regions of Botswana are receiving boarding education at the center. Participants in the training program also receive separate literacy and fundamental formal education.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in coordination with local authorities, provided humanitarian aid packages to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the regions impacted by the flood disaster, aiming to help heal the community’s wounds.
On October 4, 2024, heavy rainfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina triggered widespread flooding in several regions. Reports indicate that at least 20 people lost their lives due to floods and landslides in the cities of Jablanica, Konjic, Fojnica and Kiseljak.
The southern and central parts of the country, particularly these cities, were severely impacted by the disaster. Numerous homes were destroyed and some areas were completely submerged.
Additionally, the highway and railway infrastructure connecting the southern and northern regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered significant damage due to the flooding.
Search and rescue operations are being conducted by teams from the Civil Protection Administrations of both the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, alongside mountain search and rescue units previously trained by TİKA.
TİKA on the ground from day one
TİKA was the first international organization to coordinate with local governments immediately following the disaster.
In collaboration with the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Merhamet Humanitarian Aid Association, TİKA delivered 300 aid packages containing food, hygiene materials, boots and blankets to families in the affected areas.
