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Turkmenistan intends to strengthen its position in climate diplomacy
19.07.2026At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 July, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, presented proposals to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on strengthening Turkmenistan’s role in advancing the climate agenda in Central Asia. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State approved the initiatives and instructed that work begin on their implementation. One of the key projects will be the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue — a permanent international platform for discussing climate change issues. Plans also include the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Commission to liaise with foreign partners and international organisations, the development of work plans for the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies in Central Asia and the Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in coordination with the UN, as well as the promotion of Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives at international forums. Particular attention is paid to securing funding from international institutions, including the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Work on new draft laws is continuing in Turkmenistan
19.07.2026On 18 July, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, reported on efforts to improve national legislation during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Work is currently underway to draft new bills and amend existing legislation in line with modern requirements. The Mejlis also accepted the credentials of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kenya to Turkmenistan. During the meeting, issues relating to the development of bilateral cooperation were discussed. Cooperation with international organisations and foreign parliaments is continuing. Members of Parliament took part in seminars organised by the UN and the OSCE in conjunction with relevant state agencies. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of continuing work on the drafting of new bills.
Students from Turkmenistan undertook a training placement in Germany
19.07.2026Fifteen students from the Faculty of European Languages and Literature at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages undertook a practical training placement at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The placement took place as part of a cooperation agreement between the universities. The participants studied modern methods of teaching foreign languages, linguistic approaches and the characteristics of the German education system. Going forward, the parties plan to develop joint research projects, teacher exchange programmes and academic mobility initiatives.
Ashgabat and Tbilisi discussed the development of transport and energy links
19.07.2026On 17 July, during a meeting between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the comprehensive nature of Turkmen-Georgian relations and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to assist its Georgian partners in entering the markets of Central and South Asia, as well as the Asia-Pacific region. The parties identified the Lapis Lazuli corridor international transport corridor, linking Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, as one of their priority joint projects. Furthermore, the parties reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in the energy sector. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to hold substantive discussions on promising projects in this area.
Turkmenistan and Georgia are developing cooperation in the media sector
19.07.2026Following negotiations between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, which took place as part of the Head of Turkmenistan’s official visit to Georgia, a package of bilateral documents aimed at developing cooperation in various fields was signed, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the documents signed is a Memorandum of Understanding between the editorial team of the online newspaper ‘Golden age’ (Turkmenistan) and the television company ‘Europe 24’ (Georgia). The document provides for the development of bilateral cooperation and the regular exchange of news content to expand information exchange between the two countries.
US Ambassador concludes diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan
19.07.2026On 18 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. It was noted that contacts and visits at the highest and senior levels are an important factor in strengthening bilateral ties. Rashid Meredov expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for her contribution to the development of partnership relations between the two countries and wished her every success in her future endeavours. Elizabeth Rood, for her part, thanked the leadership of Turkmenistan for their support and assistance during her diplomatic service in the country.
Turkmenistan took part in meetings on the Montreal Protocol
19.07.2026From 13 to 17 July 2026, the 48th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties (OEWG-48) and the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (ExMOP6) took place in Bangkok. A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the events. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as scientific, technical and organisational issues relating to the protection of the ozone layer. The focus was on regional monitoring of controlled substances, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and refining relevant legislation. In addition, the parties considered issues relating to the recovery, reuse and environmentally sound disposal of refrigerants, the training and certification of specialists in the refrigeration sector, and the introduction of natural refrigerants and sustainable cooling technologies. During the meeting, consultations were held on preparations for the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP3-38), which will take place in November 2026 in Kigali (Rwanda) and will mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment. Turkmenistan’s participation in these events is aimed at developing international and regional cooperation, exchanging experience and improving national legislation in the field of ozone layer protection.
Turkmenistan’s largest oil and gas forum has announced its main partner
19.07.2026SOCAR has become the main partner of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan’ (OGT 2026), the event organisers have announced. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The participation of the Azerbaijani state-owned company will strengthen the forum’s role as a platform for investment, dialogue and cooperation in the energy sector. OGT 2026 will be attended by representatives of oil and gas companies, investors and technology leaders from various countries. More than 100 delegates from 20 countries have already signed up for the forum. Key topics include the development of offshore production, gas monetisation, the digitalisation of the industry, reducing methane emissions and sustainable energy. The OGT 2026 conference will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026.
A Turkmen company presented an infrastructure project at a business forum in Tbilisi
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, as part of the visit to Georgia by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and an exhibition of Turkmen products and services took place in Tbilisi, attended by representatives of government bodies and the business community from both countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The company ‘Ojar Aziýa’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, presented a project for the construction of the ‘Sarahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ high-speed motorway, aimed at developing the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthening its transit potential. During the forum, particular attention was paid to the development of international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor and the ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania’ route. The project presented is in line with the objectives of expanding logistics links along the Lapis Lazuli, North–South and East–West routes. ‘Ojar Aziýa’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the company’s capabilities in the fields of construction and infrastructure, as well as to discuss new avenues for international cooperation.
Turkmenistan was represented at the UN meeting on sustainable urban development
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, a high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated to the mid-term review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda took place at the UN headquarters in New York. Participants discussed the achievements of the decade since 2016 and measures to develop sustainable cities up to 2036, according to the news agency Orient. The forum took place against a backdrop of growing global challenges: around 58 per cent of the world’s population already lives in cities, more than 3 billion people face housing problems, and urban areas account for over 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Turkmenistan delegation presented its approach to the development of urban infrastructure. Abdylla Geldiyev, Minister of Construction and Architecture, noted that creating a safe and comfortable urban environment is one of the country’s strategic priorities. The city of Arkadag – Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart city’, built from scratch – attracted particular attention from participants. The project combines digital technologies, intelligent transport systems, environmental standards and energy-efficient solutions. Following the forum, the participants adopted a Political Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced cities by 2036. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with the UN in the field of urban development.
An e-sports tournament was held in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan
18.07.2026Open friendly Counter-Strike 2 matches were held in Turkmenistan in the Karakum Desert. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the LevelUp cyber club and the country’s National Esports Federation (TMESF). A gaming area with carpets and an off-grid power supply was set up on the sand dunes for the tournament. The organisers noted that this format combines esports with outdoor recreation. The LevelUp club has previously held outdoor gaming events, including one at the Darwaza gas crater.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan visited the Shanghai Art Museum
18.07.2026Parahat Durdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China, visited the Shanghai Art Museum, where he discussed the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The museum’s management noted the contribution of the Turkmen diplomatic mission to the organisation of joint exhibitions, forums and projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage. The parties discussed new initiatives, including artist exchanges and the development of academic programmes. The Ambassador emphasised the importance of cultural and educational ties in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and China. As part of his visit, the diplomat also met with Turkmen students studying in Shanghai and urged them to help foster friendly relations between the two countries.
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