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Ashgabat and Bucharest expand cooperation in consumer protection
08.02.2026Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, held a meeting with Sorin Mierlea, Head of InfoCons, Romania's largest consumer protection organisation. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed issues related to the labelling of imported goods, mechanisms for protecting intellectual property rights, and measures to ensure transparency in trade processes between Turkmenistan and Romania. During the negotiations, InfoCons representatives proposed the creation of a single information space for citizens of both countries. The project aims to provide Turkmen citizens living in Romania with prompt access to legal protection of their consumer rights. At the same time, for Romanian entrepreneurs and tourists, the platform will become a source of information on the rules and regulations in force in Turkmenistan, which will increase the predictability of business and travel conditions.
International media outlets are following the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in Ashgabat
08.02.2026On 11 February 2026, the Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, will host the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between local team ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’. The independent portal ‘Georgia Online’, together with distinguished Georgian journalist Tengiz Pachkoria, presented an overview of the upcoming football event in Ashgabat, reports IIC. The main news story was the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Sadio Mané, João Félix and Kingsley Coman will also take to the field. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia noted that the Portuguese player's visit is an important milestone for the development of football in the country. The ‘Arkadag’ club was founded in early 2023. Under the leadership of coach Vladimir Bayramov, the team won the national championship, the Cup and the Super Cup of Turkmenistan three times, and in May 2025 won its first trophy on the continental arena — the AFC Challenge League. In Group B of the current season, the club advanced to the playoffs from second place.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his condolences to the leadership of Pakistan
08.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in connection with the explosion at a mosque in Islamabad, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan strongly condemns any manifestations of terrorism and extremism and fully supports the efforts of the international community to combat this evil. On behalf of the Turkmen people, the government of the country and on his own behalf, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.
Hero Arkadag congratulated the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia on receiving an international award
08.02.2026On 7 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations via a digital system on the occasion of the presentation of the Zayed International Award for Human Fraternity to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The message emphasises that the award is a clear confirmation of the importance of the principles of mutual understanding, trust and inter-state dialogue as effective mechanisms for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Noting the high level of relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Hero Arkadag pointed out that these states are united by centuries-old historical, political, economic and cultural-humanitarian ties, and that modern cooperation is developing on the basis of equality, good neighbourliness and mutual benefit. He particularly emphasised the role of the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia in ensuring stability and harmony in the South Caucasus. According to him, their wisdom and responsibility are key factors in the prosperity of both countries. The congratulatory message expresses confidence that the award will serve as an incentive to promote the values of peace and trust at the global level. It also notes that Turkmenistan, relying on its status of permanent neutrality, is ready to provide comprehensive support to international initiatives for peacebuilding and the protection of international law. In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed his confidence that this decision is of historical significance and wished the leaders and peoples of neighbouring countries stability and prosperity.
A book by the President of Turkmenistan on neutrality was presented in India
07.02.2026On 6 February, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in India hosted an event dedicated to the motto of the year, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, and a presentation of the book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to India, Shalar Geldinazarov, spoke about the international conferences of 2025 and announced the key events of 2026 in Turkmenistan. The Diplomat emphasised the importance of the new book as a source for studying the country's neutrality and promoting its peaceful foreign policy. The participants congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the publication of the book and expressed their gratitude for creating conditions for quality education for Turkmen youth.
The ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant has increased its production of urea and ammonia
07.02.2026In January 2026, the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant in the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan produced 95,000 tonnes of urea, which exceeded the plan by 25,000 tonnes and amounted to 136% of the planned volume. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Since the beginning of the year, the enterprise has also produced more than 54,000 tonnes of ammonia against a target of 40,000 tonnes, achieving 135% of the target. Most of the production is exported to the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan, Singapore and European countries. The plant's design capacity allows it to produce up to 1.155 million tonnes of urea and 660,000 tonnes of ammonia annually.
In January, Turkmenistan received 30 delegations and sent 65 abroad
07.02.2026In January, Turkmenistan was visited by 30 foreign delegations, and the country sent 65 delegations abroad. This was announced by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister R. Meredov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which reviewed the results of work for January 2026, reports TDH. According to Meredov, in international cooperation, special attention is paid to visits and meetings at the highest level. Cooperation with international organisations remains a priority of foreign policy. In January, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations visited the country. During the month, 21 digital meetings and 116 official negotiations with foreign countries and international organisations were held. Twelve documents were added to the legal framework. R. Meredov also noted that political consultations with the foreign ministries of other states continued. Issues were discussed with Austria in digital format, and consultations with India, Morocco and Russia were held in Ashgabat. Diplomatic relations continued to develop through embassies. In January, the credentials of the new representative of the Republic of Chad in Turkmenistan were accepted.
Oil and gas production in Turkmenistan increased in January 2026
07.02.2026On 6 February, Deputy Prime Minister B. Amanov presented the results of the country's oil and gas complex for January 2026 at a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. According to him, the oil production plan of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ was fulfilled by 107.5%, reports TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, oil refining at plants reached 106.4%, gasoline production – 126.5%, diesel fuel – 104.6%, polypropylene and lubricating oils – 100%, liquefied gas – 122.1%, and natural and associated gas production – 108.3%.
Turkmenistan's GDP growth of 6.3% was the key indicator in January
07.02.2026According to TDH, in January 2026, Turkmenistan's GDP grew by 6.3%, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister H. Geldimyradov at a government meeting on 6 February. The Deputy Prime Minister noted growth in industry of 2%, construction of 6%, transport and communications of 9.3%, trade of 8.2%, agriculture of 2% and services of 8.5%. The volume of production increased by 10%, and retail turnover by 10.1%. The state budget revenue plan was fulfilled by 102.2%, and the expenditure plan by 97.1%. Salaries, pensions, benefits and scholarships were paid on time. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, capital investments in January increased by 21.3% compared to last year. A report was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme and the progress of construction of various facilities.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in the celebration of Waitangi Day in New Zealand
07.02.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to New Zealand, A. Bayramov, who is based in Tokyo, took part in official events to mark New Zealand's National Day, Waitangi Day, which is celebrated annually on 6 February. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During his working visit, the Diplomat held a series of meetings with representatives of the country's leadership, at which issues of strengthening bilateral relations were discussed. At a meeting with New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro, the Ambassador conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and invited her to visit Turkmenistan. A. Bayramov also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, Minister for Trade and Investment H. Todd McClay and representatives of parliament. The parties discussed the development of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Following the meetings, the parties expressed their readiness to consider holding the first political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, developing interparliamentary cooperation, creating mechanisms for economic cooperation and organising bilateral visits.
Ashgabat anticipates a major football match: ‘Arkadag’ will play against ‘Al-Nassr’
07.02.2026The new year in Turkmenistan began under the influence of football. Interest in the world's most popular game has grown significantly, uniting both young people and the older generation, for whom football has long been part of their personal and cultural history. Memories of legendary matches and great players of the past are still alive, and new events only strengthen this connection between eras, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Fans were particularly excited by the news of the upcoming AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in Ashgabat. For the country, this is not just a sporting event, but a landmark international event that has become a symbol of a new stage in the development of football culture. Interest in the match was so high that its organisation required the implementation of modern digital solutions. Specialists from the Information Services and Digital Technologies Department of the Ashgabat City Administration were involved in preparing for the game. Special software was developed to sell tickets and coordinate processes, taking fan service to a new level. From the very first days of sales, demand was record-breaking, once again confirming the scale of expectations surrounding the upcoming match. For the first time, world-class footballers will play on Turkmen soil, making the match truly historic. The match is seen not only as a sporting contest, but also as an important step in strengthening the country's international image. It is symbolic that this path is linked to the ‘Arkadag’ football club, created in the ‘smart’ city of the same name as a continuation of the large-scale Olympic movement. The club, which has received steady support and development, has managed to make a name for itself on the international stage in a short period of time. It is its successes that have given Turkmen fans the opportunity to witness the event that will take place on 11 February at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat and will undoubtedly go down in the history of domestic sport.
Turkmen referee officiated at the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final
06.02.2026Turkmen FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov refereed the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final match in Indonesia between Japan and Afghanistan, together with his Iranian colleague Ebrahim Mehrabiafshar. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. T. Ramazanov had already worked at the tournament: he refereed the group stage match between Japan and Australia and was the third referee in the match between Iraq and South Korea. His high qualifications allowed him to be included in the pool of referees for the key stages of the championship. In the quarter-finals, Japan defeated Afghanistan (6-0), Iraq beat Thailand (4-2), Indonesia defeated Vietnam (3-2), and Iran defeated Uzbekistan (7-4).
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