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Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan have outlined plans for CACCC-2027
04.09.2026Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Azizbek Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for developing regional cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development and environmental education, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Mergen Kepbanov spoke about the activities of CAREC and its role in developing regional environmental cooperation, focusing in particular on the work of the project office in Turkmenistan — its contribution to the implementation of initiatives on the sustainable management of natural resources, adaptation to climate change, the conservation of biodiversity and the development of environmental capacity. The participants discussed the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC) as a platform for exchanging experience on climate policy and sustainable development. The parties noted that the 9th CACCC will take place in 2027 as part of the Mountain Summit in Bishkek. Kepbanov confirmed the CAREC’s readiness to assist with its preparation and organisation. The meeting participants also touched upon the training of young professionals to work in the environmental and climate sectors, emphasising the need to expand opportunities for specialised education for young people in Central Asian countries. The parties expressed an interest in developing cooperation between the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the CAREC project office, as well as in increasing the participation of Kyrgyz representatives in the Centre’s regional events and initiatives – including joint conferences, the exchange of expertise and staff training.
Referees from Turkmenistan officiated at the Japan vs Kuwait match in Cambodia
04.09.2026Referees from Turkmenistan officiated the first-round match of the qualifying round for the 2027 AFC Youth Football Cup (under-20s) between the national teams of Japan and Kuwait. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The match was refereed by international referee Resul Mammedov, with Ahmet Begnazarov serving as the assistant referee. The Group ‘G’ match took place on 31 August at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Japan won the match 4–0. The federation highlighted the high standard of the Turkmen referees’ work on the international stage.
Turkmenistan and Turkey to discuss strategic partnership in Ankara
04.09.2026On 22 September, Ankara will host an international conference entitled ‘The Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and Turkey on the 35th Anniversary of Independence’, marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event will take place at the National Library within the Presidential Complex. It is organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey, the Foundation for Eurasian Economic, Cultural and Social Research (EkoAvrasya) and the Association for Civil Society Cooperation in the Turkic World (TÜRKSİT). According to the source, participants will discuss the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations and prospects for cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, scientific and educational spheres.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan addressed the UN Forum on the Culture of Peace
04.09.2026On 2 September, a High-Level Forum on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Promotion of a Culture of Peace was held at UN Headquarters in New York, chaired by Annalena Baerbock. Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, spoke on behalf of the Group of Friends of Neutrality in the Interest of Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, according to the news agency Orient, citing the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. According to the source, Vepa Hajiev outlined an approach to the role of inclusive diplomacy and institutional neutrality in a context of geopolitical polarisation, conflicts and declining levels of trust. In his address, he highlighted the link between a culture of peace and the principles of a neutral policy. Referring to UN General Assembly Resolution 80/262, the diplomat emphasised that neutrality can serve as a tool for dialogue and mediation. Particular attention was paid to the participation of women in preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention. In light of UN General Assembly Resolution 80/294, Turkmenistan, on behalf of the Group of Friends, called for the role of women as negotiators and decision-makers to be expanded. The need to support women’s peacekeeping networks, to involve local communities in identifying social tensions, and to develop educational programmes was also highlighted.
Turkmenistan is strengthening the investment potential of its economy
04.09.2026Turkmenistan is expanding its investment cooperation and attracting capital into key sectors of the economy. The priority sectors remain the oil and gas, chemical, processing and textile industries, as well as construction, transport, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education and digital technologies, according to the TDH news agency. Projects are being implemented in the country to modernise infrastructure and establish import-substituting and export-oriented manufacturing facilities. According to figures announced at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February 2026, the volume of capital investment in 2025 rose by 6 per cent. According to the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investment in 2026’, approximately 41.2 billion manats have been earmarked for the development of the national economy. Furthermore, Turkmenistan continues to pursue an ‘open-door’ policy, providing foreign investors with state guarantees, tax incentives and other preferential terms. Investment cooperation is developing with China, Russia, the United States of America, the Republic of Turkey, Iran, countries in the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and the European Union. One of the key international projects remains the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline. The country is also keen to attract foreign investment and technology into innovative manufacturing, the electricity sector, digital and logistics services, education and skills development. In 2026, Ashgabat hosted the business forum ‘New Horizons for Strengthening Connectivity, Attracting Investment and Sustainable Development’ and the International Investment Forum ‘Investment in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (IFT 2026). The events were dedicated to expanding international investment cooperation, developing public-private partnerships and implementing new projects. On 28 July, during a visit to Turkmenistan by Odile Renaud-Basso, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a package of documents on cooperation between the EBRD and the country’s government departments was signed. The next major event will be the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF-2026), which will take place on 1–2 October in Ashgabat. It is being organised by the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, with the support of Turkmen Congress. The forum is set to discuss the country’s investment appeal, the development of the fuel and energy, industrial and transport and communications sectors, the ‘green’ transition, digital technologies, agribusiness, public-private partnerships and the application of artificial intelligence in the economy. The event is expected to be attended by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), UK Export Finance, government bodies and representatives of domestic and foreign businesses. The source notes that Turkmenistan regards the expansion of investment cooperation as a key prerequisite for economic diversification, the modernisation of production facilities and the implementation of major infrastructure projects.
Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of education
04.09.2026Turkmenistan and Georgia have held the first meeting of their joint working group on cooperation in the fields of education and science. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The meeting was co-chaired by Zviad Gabisonia, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, and Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the implementation of joint educational and scientific projects, cooperation in the field of youth education, and the development of inter-university and academic cooperation. Following the meeting, a decision was taken to draw up specific action plans in the agreed areas.
Turkmenistan is to develop a ‘smart society’ concept
04.09.2026Turkmenistan is set to begin developing a conceptual project for a ‘smart society’. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to the news agency TDH. On 2 September, a public lecture was held at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag to mark Knowledge and Student Youth Day, as well as the start of the new academic year. The event was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, young professionals, university rectors and lecturers, students, school students and media representatives. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the concept of a ‘smart society’ must encompass key areas of activity. It is proposed that young people, including students, be involved in its development to contribute new ideas and innovative proposals. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence is shaping contemporary trends. Hero Arkadag identified the country’s entry into the ranks of industrially developed nations as one of Turkmenistan’s main objectives. Turkmenistan will also continue its international cooperation in the fields of education and innovation. Furthermore, it has been proposed to establish the legal and organisational framework for the creation of international scientific and educational youth clusters. These are intended to serve as a platform for the joint implementation of projects by Turkmen and international young people.
Turkmenistan is increasing oil production at the ‘Goturdepe’ field
04.09.2026Since the start of the year, the ‘Goturdepenebit’ oil and gas production department of the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust has produced 717.24 thousand tonnes of crude oil. The target was met at 111.5 per cent, which was the highest figure among the oil and gas production departments of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, reports the online newspaper Ussatnews. Compared with the same period last year, the rate of production growth stood at 105.4 per cent. The target was exceeded by 74,169 thousand tonnes. Production is taking place at the ‘Goturdepe’ and ‘Northern Goturdepe’ fields. Currently, 670 wells are in steady operation there. Daily oil production at the ‘Goturdepe’ field exceeds 3,400 tonnes. Development of the field began in 1948 with the drilling of the first exploratory well. Commercial production resumed in 1956. The field covers an area of 320 square kilometres. The company carries out technical monitoring of the condition of the wells. According to geologists’ estimates, the field still holds significant hydrocarbon reserves. In terms of production volumes, the ‘Goturdepenebit’ Department ranks second among the group’s oil and gas production departments. Operators, foremen and specialists from workshops 1–6, as well as the oil treatment and pumping workshop, are all contributing to the achievement of production targets. Deputy Head of the Department for General Affairs, Jepbarguly Nepesov, reported that the team intends to end the year with even higher production and economic indicators.
A meeting with a Georgian delegation took place at an oil and gas university in Turkmenistan
04.09.2026On 2 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas between the university’s academic staff and a Georgian delegation led by Zviad Gabisonia, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth Affairs of Georgia, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the exchange of experience in the field of higher education and science, the training of qualified specialists, the development of academic ties and new areas of cooperation. University representatives spoke about improvements to the national education system, the integration of modern knowledge and scientific and technical achievements, as well as the training of highly qualified specialists. The Georgian delegation was provided with information on the university’s faculties, departments, educational programmes and research activities. Particular attention was paid to international cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The university’s collaboration with Dragon Oil, Petronas and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) – based on signed agreements and memoranda of understanding – was highlighted. Zviad Gabisonia provided an overview of the activities of higher education institutions in Georgia and highlighted opportunities for further developing cooperation with the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. In particular, the parties emphasised the importance of direct contacts between lecturers, young researchers and students, the exchange of experience and the implementation of joint research projects. To conclude the visit, the Georgian delegation toured the university’s faculties, departments, museums and laboratories, as well as the Luban Workshop in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is developing its cooperation with the International Tennis Federation
04.09.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, held a meeting in New York with David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The meeting was also attended by Eziz Dovletov, President of the Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of tennis, sports infrastructure and professional exchanges between relevant organisations. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding and the hosting of ITF-sponsored junior tournaments in Turkmenistan from 2027 onwards. The participants also reviewed Turkmenistan’s contribution to UN sports diplomacy and reaffirmed their interest in a long-term partnership.
China has launched a second rail route to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A freight train set off on Tuesday from the city of Chengdu (Sichuan Province, south-west China) to the Turkmen city of Sarahs as part of the ‘China–Central Asia’ rail freight programme. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This is now the second direct rail route between Chengdu and Turkmenistan to have been launched since the start of the year. Regular freight services between Chengdu and the countries of Central Asia have been operating since 2014. Initially, the network covered two destinations — Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Since then, the list of destinations has expanded to include Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Sarahs, which, according to local authorities, has significantly improved the connectivity of logistics chains between Chengdu and Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed cooperation in the field of education
03.09.2026A Georgian delegation led by Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth, is on a working visit to Ashgabat. The guests held a series of meetings at the capital’s leading universities and also explored Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme began with a visit to the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the monument to the Georgian poet and humanist Shota Rustaveli. The delegation then visited the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, where they learnt about the history of Turkmen carpet-weaving. The guests then proceeded to the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, where they met with the rector and representatives of the university: the parties familiarised themselves with the university’s educational and research infrastructure and discussed prospects for academic partnership. The next stop was the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction — negotiations with the university’s management focused on strengthening inter-university ties and joint projects in the training of engineering and technical personnel. The visit concluded with a visit to the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, where, during a meeting with the rector and university representatives, issues of academic exchange and cooperation between the scientific communities of the two countries were discussed. The delegation’s visit is intended to give fresh impetus to the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia and to help deepen the partnership in the fields of education, science and youth policy.
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