Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in cooperation with Guinea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, provided equipment to farmers in the city of Faranah to enhance agricultural mechanization.
In Guinea, where 67% of the population is involved in agriculture and the sector represents 52% of the total workforce, crop yields from traditional farming methods are significantly lower compared to mechanized agriculture.
As part of the country’s 20-year initiative under the 2040 National Rural Development Program, agricultural equipment aimed at enhancing mechanization was distributed to local farmers in Faranah. This initiative, carried out in cooperation with the Faranah Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Guinea, aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of “Decent Work and Economic Growth” and “No Poverty”. The program aims to reduce rural unemployment, boost the national economy and bring agriculturally viable lands into productive use.
To promote agricultural mechanization and convert uncultivated lands for farming in the city, approximately 500 km from the capital Conakry, the project aims to cultivate 10 hectares of land in the initial phase and gradually prepare a total of 60 hectares for agriculture by adding 10 hectares at each subsequent stage.
A training program on “Mitigating of the Negative Impacts of Climate Change and Air Quality on Agricultural Practices” was organized in Bangkok through a collaboration between Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).
Experts from relevant ministries and agencies in the fields of agriculture and environment from Türkiye and ASEAN member countries participated in the training sessions. Thai and Turkish experts delivered informative presentations on climate change policies, air pollution control and sustainable agricultural practices.
As part of the program, participants also conducted field visits to various organizations involved in plastic waste recovery and agricultural waste processing.
Additionally, the Regional Director of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) delivered a presentation titled “The Role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Climate Action”.
Upon the successful completion of the training, certificates were awarded to the participants during a ceremony.
This training program, the first collaboration of its kind between the two countries’ development agencies, marks the beginning of expanded cooperation between TİKA and TICA, with plans to undertake future projects and initiatives in various fields.
The first “Journalism Training for Juniors” program, organized by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), TRT, the Algerian Heritage Association and the FOREM Association in the capital Algiers, has been successfully completed.
Forty participants took part in the training program, and a certificate distribution ceremony was held at the conclusion of the course.
The ceremony was attended by Ümit Kılıç, Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Algeria; TİKA’s Coordinator in Algeria, Gökçen Kalkan and representatives from the associations. During the closing event, awards were presented to the successful participants from the groups formed during the training.
Undersecretary Ümit Kılıç expressed his satisfaction with the high level of interest in the program and extended his gratitude to TİKA, TRT and the association representatives for organizing the program.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) inaugurated a Honey Production and Packaging Facility in Kaćuni, located in the Busovača region of the capital, Sarajevo.
In cooperation with TİKA and the Kaćuni Beekeepers’ Association, a 300 m² production facility was built on a 1000 m² plot of land. This facility aims to support the processing and marketing of honey and honey products from 13 associations operating in the region.
The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; TİKA’s President, Serkan Kayalar; Prime Minister of Central Bosnia Canton, Tahir Lendo; Mayor of Busovača, Asim Mekić, as well as local beekeepers. During the event, the first production was symbolically initiated.
In his opening speech, Mr. Kayalar highlighted that TİKA’s beekeeping initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which began 15 years ago by providing 700 beehives to 35 families in Busovača, have since expanded through various training and support projects. These efforts have now culminated in the establishment of a modern facility, fully constructed and equipped by TİKA.
In his speech, Ambassador Girgin remarked that TİKA has extended Türkiye’s hand of friendship through its initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, having completed nearly 1,100 projects to date. He expressed his hope that the success of this project would bring prosperity to the entire country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lendo expressed his gratitude for the support provided by TİKA, noting that they have seen the impact of TİKA’s projects throughout many parts of the canton, which lies in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project aimed to support agricultural development by helping hundreds of producer families in the region generate income from the honey they produce.
With a daily processing capacity of 2.5 tons, the facility will be able to handle 40% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s annual honey production.
The memory of late Ambassador Şükrü Tufan honored at TİKA Sarajevo PCO Building
To honor the memory of Şükrü Tufan, who served as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and passed away on April 30, a commemorative plaque was placed on the former embassy building in Sarajevo.
Ambassador Korkut Tufan, the son of the late Ambassador, along with TİKA President Serkan Kayalar; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; and TİKA’s Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Erdinç Işık attended the ceremony. The event was held at TİKA’s Sarajevo Program Coordination Office (PCO) building, where Şükrü Tufan served as Ambassador to Sarajevo from 1993 to 1996.
Korkut Tufan told reporters that his father was the first ambassador appointed to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He explained that during the war, the embassy was initially based in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. “When it became clear that the war would not end soon, my father insisted saying, ‘I cannot leave my Bosnian brothers alone,’ and opened the embassy in Sarajevo during the war. This was not only the first Turkish embassy but also the first embassy ever that is established in Sarajevo. At that time, my mother accompanied him, and they spent those difficult days here, sharing in the struggles with their Bosnian brothers.”
TİKA President Kayalar remarked that it was a very special and emotional day for them. He noted that the late Ambassador Şükrü Tufan had established a special place in everyone’s hearts stating, “He holds a very special place for the people of Sarajevo and our Bosnian brothers and sisters. During the siege of Sarajevo and its most challenging times, our late ambassador and his wife served here on behalf of our country. Beyond fulfilling a mission, they formed a unique and profound bond with our Bosnian brothers and sisters. Although we lost him last April, we will continue to honor his memory in this building where he served.”
Kayalar also announced that the laboratory, which TİKA will soon open at Sarajevo University, will be named in honor of Şükrü Tufan.
The late Ambassador Şükrü Tufan is recognized as the only ambassador who remained in Sarajevo during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Digital Archiving System Installation Project for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has been completed.
Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković; TİKA’s President Serkan Kayalar; Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; Director of the Archives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hajrudin Ćuprija and other officials attended the inauguration ceremony for the archiving system held at the Government Building of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In his speech, Prime Minister Nikšić highlighted the significance of archives for both states and citizens. He stated, “With this crucial support from TİKA, historical materials will be preserved here, serving as an open source for future researchers, scientists, students and citizens.”
Foreign Minister Konaković emphasized the importance of digital transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s process of acceding to the European Union (EU).
Konaković, noting the excellent relations with Türkiye and expressing a desire to develop further projects, said, “Our economic cooperation has significantly increased over the past year compared to previous years. TİKA, which holds a special place in our relationship, has carried out over 1,000 projects. They have supported us in the renewal of our cultural and historical heritage, as well as in other areas.”
TİKA President Kayalar noted that Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina have cooperated on archive management for many years.
Stating that the Ottoman archives contain valuable materials, including official documents, correspondence and photographs related to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kayalar said:
“There are many documents from the Ottoman period in the archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At TİKA, we have carried out various projects to digitize and preserve these materials, making them available to researchers. With the project we have inaugurated today, we have not only facilitated the digitization and preservation of these important archival documents but also provided institutions within the Federation Entity access to the digital archive.”
Following the speeches, the archive system was officially opened.
Technical Equipment Support Project for CNC Laboratory at IUS Continuing Education Center
The CNC Laboratory, part of the Technical Equipment Support Project at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) Continuing Education Center and supported by TİKA, was inaugurated.
The opening ceremony was attended by TİKA President, Serkan Kayalar; Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, along with academics and students.
Kayalar visited the laboratory and received information from Rector Yıldırım about the ongoing work.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided underwater search equipment to the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan.
The equipment delivery ceremony held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, was attended by Umut Acar, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tajikistan; General Rustam Nazarzoda, Chairman of the Emergency Situations and Civil Defense Committee of Tajikistan; and İbrahim Ethem Ünal, TİKA’s Coordinator in Dushanbe.
In his speech at the ceremony, General Rustam Nazarzoda emphasized that the support provided by TİKA strengthened the committee’s infrastructure. He noted that following the earthquake disaster in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, the Tajik search and rescue team promptly responded and provided assistance, marking the first international search and rescue operation in Tajikistan’s history.
In his speech, Ambassador Umut Acar highlighted the strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of emergency and civil defense, emphasizing the significant role of TİKA in this process.
The underwater search equipment provided to the committee is the first of its kind in the organization’s inventory. In the near future, TİKA and the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan plan to organize search and rescue training sessions.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided 45 women farmers in Kosovo with machines for milk production as part of the “Supporting Women Farmers in Rural Areas Project”.
TİKA’s Coordinator in Pristina Fulya Aslan, representatives of the Kosovo Milk Producers Association and local milk producers attended the distribution ceremony held in Malisheva Municipality, Kosovo.
As part of the “Supporting Women Farmers in Rural Areas Project,” 45 women farmers from the municipalities of Malişeva, Vıçıtırın ve Yakova in Kosovo received milking machines, milk transport buckets and hygiene kits. Additionally, three milk collection centers were equipped with quality measurement devices.
Stating that women constitute an important part of the labor force in the agriculture and livestock sector; TİKA’s Coordinator in Pristina, Aslan, said, “At TİKA, we prioritize supporting women farmers. With the materials we are distributing today, we aim to improve the quality and efficiency of milk production in the sector, ensure hygiene and thereby enhance food safety.”
Stating that among the female milk producers benefiting from the project, there are also women who are the sole providers for their families, Aslan highlighted that the project will also increase the families’ income.
The women farmers in Kosovo who received the machines expressed their gratitude to the Turkish people and TİKA.
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the “After-School Sports Development Project” was implemented in Palestine to promote the social and physical development of children.
Within the scope of the “After-School Sports Development Project for Children,” implemented in cooperation with TİKA and the Palestine Association for Children’s Encouragement of Sports (PACES), sports training was provided to 900 disadvantaged children in the West Bank to support their social and physical development.
PACES, a non-governmental organization founded in 2006, aims to provide after-school sports programs for children aged 8-16 living in refugee camps and poor areas in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon. To date, it has managed to reached more than 30,000 children.
As part of the project supported by TİKA, children received football and basketball training through local sports clubs. Sports equipment was provided by TİKA, aiming to help children utilize their free time in a healthy way, support their physical and social development and stay away from bad habits.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has installed a drinking water purification system for the Barrancón Indigenous People living in La Guajira, a dry desert region of Colombia.
The project, which provides access to clean water for 60 families in the Barrancón region, was inaugurated with the participation of Beste Pehlivan Sun, Turkish Ambassador to Colombia; Eleonora Betancur González, Director General of the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia (APC-Colombia); Vicente Berardinelli Carrillo, Mayor of Barrancas; Carlos Arturo Robles Julio, Rector of La Guajira University; TİKA officials and local residents.
Speaking at the ceremony, APC-Colombia Director General Betancur stated that TİKA has consistently carried out projects that directly benefit vulnerable groups in Colombia. She said, “With this project, TİKA has once again demonstrated its commitment to addressing our country’s priorities and the needs of indigenous communities. Such cooperation brings our countries closer together and strengthens our ties.”
Mayor Berardinelli of Barrancas and Rector Robles of the University of La Guajira highlighted the severe infrastructure deficiencies in the region regarding access to water and expressed their gratitude to Türkiye.
500 liters of water per hour to be purified
The ceremony began with performances by local children, followed by speeches and a tour of the water purification facility and the Wotkasainru Ethno-Education Center. The system, which has a water purification capacity of 500 liters per hour, aims to prevent epidemics by providing clean water to the entire population in the region and especially to the Wotkasainru Ethno-Education Center, which serves 53 students.
About La Guajira
Due to the desert climate and lack of resources in La Guajira, which borders Venezuela, the region faces significant challenges in accessing clean water. Local communities often travel long distances to reach water sources, which leads to epidemics and food insecurity.
This project in La Guajira serves as a model for international initiatives in the region. Access to clean water, a key focus of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, is essential for improving the living standards of communities in desert conditions.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) delivered a vehicle to the Mountain Rescue Service of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (GSS FBiH) for use in search and rescue operations.
The delivery ceremony was attended by TİKA President, Serkan Kayalar; Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin; Head of the Turkish Delegation in the European Union Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Staff Colonel Ahmet Kösem; TİKA’s Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Erdinç Işık and GSS FBiH volunteers.
In his statement, Kayalar expressed happiness at being in Bosnia and Herzegovina and having the long-standing collaboration with GSS FBiH.
Kayalar stated that TİKA had previously supported GSS FBiH with equipment and supplies and added:
“This year, we delivered a vehicle to the volunteers to be used in search and rescue activities. These projects are life-saving and meaningful. Our past collaborations have been particularly instrumental, as demonstrated during the February 6 earthquakes when many teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including GSS FBiH, traveled to Türkiye. We are deeply grateful for their selfless efforts to save our lives.”
Kayalar stated that they have taken a step to further increase the capacity of GSS FBiH and that they will continue their cooperation in the future.
As part of his visit to Sarajevo, Kayalar met with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković and Enes Ljevaković, Vice President of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ambassador Girgin accompanied Kayalar on his visit to the Kovači Martyrs’ Cemetery, where the grave of Alija Izetbegović, the first President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also located.
The 8th Great Hun-Turkic Congress, supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), was held in Hungary.
The eighth “Great Hun-Turkic Congress,” organized in cooperation with TİKA and the Hungarian Turan Foundation, was held in Bugac from August 9-11 with wide participation and a grand opening ceremony.
The opening program of the Great Hun-Turkic Congress was attended by Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY; András Bíró, President of the Hungarian Turan Foundation; Mahmut Çevik, TİKA Vice President; Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States; Mehmet Süreyya Er, TURKPA Secretary General; Sándor Lezsák, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly; Zorlu Töre, Speaker of the TRNC Republican Assembly; representatives of leading institutions and organizations of the Turkic world, artists and many audience members.
In the area where the Congress was opened, traditional yurts (otağ) were set up, symbolically presenting to the audience the old-time traditions, customs and lifestyles of many Turkic countries.
The performances of equestrian troops carrying the flags of all Turkic states from the past to the present, along with nomadic war games and archery displays provided the audience with enjoyable moments.
TİKA’s Vice President Çevik, Hungarian Turan Foundation President Bíró and representatives of all participating institutions emphasized the importance of the Turkic world acting as a unified whole in their opening speeches.
An opening ceremony was held at Noorul Huda Primary School in Rampur Municipality, located in Nepal’s mountainous Palpa District. The school was renovated by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
TİKA implemented a comprehensive improvement program at Noorul Huda Primary School, established in 1996 and considered an exemplary institution in the region for its quality of education. As part of the program, a modern computer lab was installed, and the existing science lab was updated with equipment aligned with current scientific trends.
The dormitory conditions were enhanced to better accommodate low-income students from remote villages. A new playground was constructed in the school garden, and the classrooms’ physical conditions were also improved. Additionally, a solar energy system was installed to meet the school’s energy needs and to promote an environmentally friendly approach.
Rampur Municipality Ward Head, Ram Bahadur Rana; TİKA’s Dhaka Program Coordinator, Şevki Mert Barış; guests, school management and students attended the project’s opening ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Rana stated that with TİKA’s support, the educational opportunities for the students have reached a high-quality level. He thanked Türkiye, noting that the school has become a model educational institution, representing a society where individuals of different religions coexist.
Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA’s Coordinator in Dhaka Barış highlighted the work carried out in Nepal, noting that many projects, especially in the education and health sectors, are indicators of the friendship between Türkiye and Nepal.
About Nepal
Nepal is a country of approximately 30 million people, of which around 4% are Muslims. The lack of a compulsory education system has become a significant issue, particularly affecting the children of Muslim families in rural areas. With a low education rate within the Muslim community and a high tendency for early school dropouts, this situation hinders Muslims, who are a minority in Nepal, from receiving a quality education.
