Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) expanded the scope of academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries by conferring the title of Global Honorary Professor on the president of Tajik State Pedagogical University. JBNU presented the Global Honorary Professor title to President Ibodullozoda Ahliddin Ibodullo of Tajik State Pedagogical University (Tajik State Pedagogical University after Sadriddin Ayni) at 2:00 p.m. on the 13th at the University Headquarters.

The ceremony commemorated continued exchange and cooperation and the enhancement of friendly relations between the two universities. The Tajik delegation included President Ibodullozoda Ahliddin Ibodullo; Vice-President Isroilov Ismoil; Director of International Affairs Mubirkoni Muminpur; and Deputy Director of the Personnel Division Jamshedzoda Farzona. Ambassador Kirom Salohiddin Amriddinzoda of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Korea and other embassy officials also attended, adding significance to the occasion.

The program included the presentation of the Global Honorary Professor appointment certificate and a commemorative plaque, congratulatory remarks by the presidents of both universities, a diplomatic lecture, and a meeting with exchange students from Tajik State Pedagogical University. Attendees also visited the Physical AI Center, took a campus tour, and participated in a diplomatic dinner, providing opportunities to share JBNU’s research capabilities.

Since signing an agreement in 2015, JBNU and Tajik State Pedagogical University have maintained friendly relations centered on student exchanges. At present, 19 students from Tajik State Pedagogical University are studying at JBNU as exchange students, reflecting active ongoing exchanges.

Last year, to further expand areas of cooperation, President Ibodullozoda Ahliddin Ibodullo and officials from the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs made an official visit to JBNU. A JBNU International Center and a JBNU–Tajik State Pedagogical University Korean Language Center were established within Tajik State Pedagogical University.

Building on this foundation, Tajik State Pedagogical University is promoting the establishment of the country’s first School of Oriental Languages and Literature (Korean-language program and Chinese-language program). The school is scheduled to begin recruiting new students in September 2026 and plans to operate a 2+2 dual-degree program in cooperation with JBNU’s Department of Korean Language & Literature and Department of Chinese Language & Literature. This is expected to further expand bilateral cooperation in language and cultural education and student exchanges.

In recognition of the mutually beneficial outcomes of cooperation between the two universities, Tajik State Pedagogical University awarded an honorary doctorate to President Yang O-bong during his visit to the university last October.

President Yang O-bong stated, “The conferment of the Global Honorary Professor title is a symbolic fruition of cooperation between the two universities. We will continue to expand substantive cooperation encompassing education, research, and cultural exchange, and further strengthen our networks in Central Asia and globally.”