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.
Fatouma Bourguiba University Hospital, located in the city of Monastir, is a major healthcare center nationwide with its Pediatric Surgery Department performing surgical interventions on approximately 4,000 children annually.
Serving not only patients from Monastir but also pediatric patients from different regions of Tunisia, the hospital previously faced a serious risk due to the absence of a pediatric recovery room where children could be safely monitored after surgery.
In response to this need, a pediatric recovery room meeting international standards was established within the framework of a request submitted by the hospital. The newly established unit has been equipped with pediatric ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, infusion pumps, child-specific resuscitation beds, and the necessary anesthesia equipment.
Through this project, which is expected to directly benefit at least 1,000 children annually, it is aimed to enhance the safety of critically ill pediatric patients and minimize the risks of complications and mortality. The project also includes training programs for healthcare personnel on post-operative pediatric monitoring and emergency intervention protocols, thereby strengthening human resource capacity.
Through this project that directly touches the lives of pediatric patients, TİKA continues to strengthen Tunisia’s healthcare infrastructure.
A handover ceremony for barista and coffee business vocational training equipment was held at the International Institute for Skill Development (IISD) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, located near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. The event was organized as part of the bilateral cooperation project between TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).
During the ceremony, Institute Director Jaturapat Ngenmool addressed the participants, expressing his gratitude for the valuable support provided by the Turkish government. Ngenmool stated, “Today, with the support of TİKA, we are receiving crucial equipment for our barista and coffee business training programs. These tools will enhance our training capacity and help us offer more effective and practical training experiences to our participants.” He emphasized that the equipment provided by TİKA supports coffee production and skills development in the sector, as well as improving the quality of training. Ngenmool also noted that the project aims to create more employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship in Thailand’s coffee sector. He concluded his remarks by saying, “We sincerely thank TİKA and the Turkish government for this meaningful support. These contributions will open doors to better education opportunities and brighter futures for many people.”
The equipment handed over includes espresso machines, coffee grinders, barista tool sets, a television, and coffee counters, all of which will be used in the Institute’s training programs.
Growing Educational Opportunities in the Coffee Sector Through TİKA and TICA Cooperation
By 2025, the Institute has provided training to more than 80 participants through Barista and Latte Art Training Courses and Coffee Business Management courses. These courses have addressed a wide range of participants, including trainers, entrepreneurs, individuals with hearing disabilities, and unemployed workers.
In 2026, the Institute plans to expand its training programs to five courses, reaching 100 participants. The goal is to provide comprehensive training in the barista and coffee sectors. During this new phase, the Institute aims to continue training qualified professionals for both Thailand’s local coffee industry and the global market.
Project Objectives Supported by TİKA
The main objectives of this project include developing skills in coffee production, increasing employment opportunities in the coffee sector, and strengthening career prospects. Additionally, it aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of coffee, while promoting international competencies in the industry.
Such projects in the coffee sector aim not only to support workforce development in Thailand, but also to foster growth in ASEAN countries, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) regions.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided support to improving health services in Zambia by renovating “University Teaching Hospital”(UTH)’s kitchen.
With this project, conducted in partnership with Turkish Embassy in Lusaka and Zero Waste Foundation as the local partner, inadequate kitchen equipments have been renewed. Many hospitalized patients who needed regular meals for recovery and for their medication had access to hospital food only once a day. Now, with the new industrial cooking equipment, meals will be prepared more frequently and in more hygenic conditions which will contribute to the patients’ treatment process.
The hand-over ceremony of the project took place last week with the attendance of Turkish Ambassador to Zambia Hüseyin Barbaros DİCLE and Zambian Minister of Health Hon. Elijah Muchima.
It was noted that, thanks to the project, the Hospital’s capacity has been increased to serve better to thousands of patients coming from all over the country.
The classroom of the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis (École Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de la Santé de Tunis – ESSTST), affiliated with the University of El Manar in the capital city of Tunisia, has been renovated and equipped by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
Within the scope of the project, the classroom belonging to the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students – the first academic unit of its kind established in Africa – was renovated and reorganized in line with modern educational standards. The classroom was designed to be fully accessible for visually impaired students and furnished with essential physiotherapy training equipment. The project provided materials such as human skeleton and muscular system models, posture analysis tools, exercise bands and straps, physiotherapy tables, hot and cold therapy equipment, electrotherapy devices, and Braille reading and writing devices.
Established in 1965, ESSTST is one of Tunisia’s leading institutions in the field of public health, contributing significantly to the training of professional healthcare personnel. Since its establishment, the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students has graduated a total of 743 students with varying degrees of visual impairment from Tunisia, other African countries, and the Middle East.
Thanks to the newly equipped classroom, approximately 50 students will benefit from hands-on training with modern tools each year, aiming to enhance their professional competencies and employability. The project promotes equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups and supports the social and economic inclusion of visually impaired youth.
TİKA continues to contribute to local development in Tunisia through projects aimed at strengthening inclusiveness in education, supporting youth employability, and empowering disadvantaged groups in line with the country’s development priorities.
As part of the Türkiye–Pakistan Cultural Week (28–31 October) celebrated under thepatronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to mark the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, a Letter of Intentwas signed between the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Directorate General of Archaeology, Department of Tourism, Archaeology & Museums of the Government of Punjabfor the rehabilitation of the Javed Manzil / Allama Muhammad Iqbal Museum in Lahore.
Commissioned by Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Javed Manzil is the house where he lived and passed away, later converted into a museum in his memory. The rehabilitation of this historic site will be implemented by TİKA, with completion expected by 2027 — the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal.
This project aims to preserve and promote the cultural and intellectual legacy of Allama Iqbal, who is revered in both Türkiye and Pakistan, while also serving as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between the two brotherly nations.
A “Computer-Aided Textile Design (CAD) Laboratory Establishment Project” has been implemented by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Kelibia, Nabeul Governorate, to enhance vocational training capacities and support the development of a skilled workforce for Tunisia’s textile and garment industry.
Within the scope of the project, a modern Computer-Aided Design (CAD) laboratory was established at the Kelibia Vocational Training Center, which operates under the Tunisian Vocational Training Agency (ATFP). The laboratory has been equipped with high-performance computers, advanced design devices, and professional design software widely used in the textile industry.
Through this facility, students will gain the ability to design garments digitally, test prototypes in virtual environments, and reduce production errors before manufacturing. The project will thus improve the employability of graduates while enabling local textile companies to access qualified personnel trained in modern production techniques.
The textile and apparel sector in Tunisia accounts for approximately 30% of the country’s total industrial exports and provides direct employment to more than 160,000 people through over 1,600 companies. The sector remains one of Tunisia’s key strategic industries and a major contributor to its economy.
By supporting this initiative, TİKA contributes to the modernization of the Tunisian textile sector and the alignment of vocational training with the needs of the labor market. The project also complements Tunisia’s national policies aimed at reducing youth unemployment and strengthening vocational education.
TİKA continues to support local development in Tunisia through projects that enhance vocational education quality, promote youth employment, and foster digital transformation across industrial sectors.
