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Turkmenistan has recorded record growth in the population of markhor
14.07.2025In eastern Turkmenistan, on the slopes of the Koytendag Mountains, a record increase in the population of the markhor, a rare species listed in the International Red Book, has been recorded. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to data from the Koytendag Nature Reserve, in 2024, scientists counted 1,572 adult individuals, the highest number ever recorded. As noted by Shaniyaz Menliyev, head of the reserve's scientific department, this success was made possible by many years of conservation work. Strict protection measures have not only stabilised but also increased the markhor population. In 2024, nine countries initiated the establishment of International Markhor Day on 24 May as a sign of support for efforts to preserve the species. Living at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres, these rare animals play an important role in the ecosystem and are famous for their ability to move around rocky areas. The increase in numbers improves the chances of seeing them in the wild, and ecologists hope that the positive trend will continue.
Serdar Azmun arrived on a visit to Turkmenistan
13.07.2025Iranian national team and UAE club ‘Shabab Al-Ahli’ striker Serdar Azmun has arrived in Ashgabat. He posted a photo from Magtymguly Pyragy Park on social media with the caption ‘Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.’ This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. S. Azmun joined ‘Shabab Al-Ahli’ in July 2024. Last season, the 30-year-old forward played 39 matches, scored 26 goals and made 10 assists. The team won the UAE championship, the Super Cup and the President's Cup, as well as finishing runners-up in the League Cup and reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. Azmun previously played for Russian clubs ‘Zenit’, ‘Rostov’ and ‘Rubin’, as well as German club ‘Bayer’ and Italian club ‘Roma’. His transfer value is currently estimated at €8 million, although at the peak of his career at ‘Zenit’ it reached €25 million. The footballer was last in Ashgabat in March 2024 for a 2026 World Cup qualifier between Turkmenistan and Iran. The head coach of the Iranian national team, Amir Ghalenoei, noted Azmun's special connection with the Turkmen people.
The ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ Agency will cooperate with the Estonian Academy
06.07.2025On 4 July, Mammethan Chakiyev, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, reported on measures being implemented to develop the digital economy and introduce innovative technologies during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted, the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency is working to expand cooperation with relevant international organisations and exchange experience. Particular attention is being paid to interaction with the United Nations Development Programme, as well as to studying international experience and best practices in the field of digitalisation, including the training of qualified specialists. In this context, the Head of the agency submitted a relevant proposal to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for consideration. After hearing the report, the Head of State gave a positive assessment of the steps being taken in the field of digital development and professional training. The President of Turkmenistan approved the initiative to establish cooperation between the ‘Türkmenaragatnaşyk’ agency and the relevant academy of the Republic of Estonia, instructing M. Chakiyev to organise the necessary work in this direction.
Ashgabat Training Centre recognised as regional centre of the WCO
02.07.2025At the end of June 2025, during the 145th-146th session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, an important Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Turkmenistan and the WCO. According to the document, the training centre of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat has been granted the status of a regional training centre. This was reported by the IIC. This step marks a new stage in the development of international cooperation in the field of customs. The centre will be able to work according to WCO standards and programmes, offering professional training, retraining and advanced training for both Turkmen customs officials and specialists from other countries in the region. The granting of regional centre status opens up significant prospects for Turkmenistan. The country will now be able to organise joint educational events with the participation of international experts, which will strengthen its position in the global customs community. In addition, this will contribute to the formation of a modern system for training highly qualified personnel at the regional level. The recognition of the Ashgabat centre confirms the growing role of Turkmenistan in the development of international customs cooperation.
5G internet will be launched in Arkadag to mark the city's second anniversary
29.06.20255G technology will be introduced in the city of Arkadag in honour of the second anniversary of its opening. The decision was made during a working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who familiarised himself with the progress of the second phase of construction and held a meeting with local leaders, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by Deryageldi Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for City Construction of Arkadag, and Gulshat Mammedova, Mayor of the city. Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of adhering to quality standards and completion deadlines. D. Orazov reported on the progress of the work and requested approval for the introduction of 5G, noting its importance for digitalisation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov supported the initiative, emphasising its compliance with the ‘smart city’ concept. G. Mammedova provided information on the preparation of festive events, including the handing over of keys to new houses to residents. During the visit, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan also inspected the projects of the second stage, including the ‘Ahalteke atlary’ avenue and the city park, and gave instructions on compliance with international standards and preservation of the national appearance, especially in the construction of the new mosque.
Rare caracal offspring recorded for the first time in Turkmenistan
28.06.2025An international group of researchers has recorded the first appearance of a caracal cub in the Garabogazgol basin. The unique images were captured using camera traps as part of a joint project between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Team Bars Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The discovery confirms the reproduction of this rare species in the country and marks the northernmost point where caracals have been recorded in Turkmenistan. Caracals are rare and elusive predators that play an important role in the region's ecosystem. The population has been monitored since 2024 and covers key natural areas, including the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve and the Ustyurt Plateau.
A medical school will be built in Ashgabat
25.06.2025A Medical Vocational School is planned to be built in Ashgabat with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. According to the source, the Protocol Agreement on financing the construction was signed by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan and the ADB immediately after the round table discussion. It should be noted that the round table was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank.
Citizens of the Republic of Korea were evacuated from Iran via Turkmenistan
19.06.2025On the night of 18 June, 20 South Korean citizens and their family members were evacuated from Iran to Turkmenistan by land. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Among those evacuated were 18 citizens of the Republic of Korea and two Iranians who are members of their families. The group left Tehran on 17 June and, with the assistance of South Korean embassy staff, crossed the border into Turkmenistan, after which they were transported to Ashgabat in vehicles provided by the embassy. The South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry sent a task force to Turkmenistan to coordinate assistance. The evacuees were provided with accommodation and consular support, and their return home is being organised.
Turkmenistan introduces electronic visa system for foreign visitors
18.06.2025An electronic visa (e-Visa) system is being launched in Turkmenistan, which will simplify entry for foreigners and make the country more attractive for tourists and business travellers, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The key change is that an invitation is no longer required to obtain an e-Visa. Visa notifications will be automatically sent to diplomatic missions and migration authorities. The procedure for issuing and extending visas is determined by the country's President, and the forms are approved by the Migration Service. In the future, the system plans to introduce AI and analytical platforms for migration analysis, facial recognition and biometrics.
Turkmenistan participated in the ABU-Rai Days 2025 international media forum in Italy
13.06.2025On 12–13 June 2025, Naples hosted the ABU-Rai Days 2025 international media forum, organised jointly by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and Italian broadcaster RAI. The event, held under the slogan ‘Children and Media: Ensuring the Relevance of Public Media in the 21st Century,’ brought together leading media industry experts to discuss contemporary challenges in the broadcasting sector. This was reported by the IIC. During the professional discussions, particular attention was paid to the transformation of the media space under the influence of digital technologies, issues of protecting children's audiences in conditions of information overload, as well as the prospects for using artificial intelligence in creating content for young people. Turkmenistan was represented at the forum by Allamurat Archayev, delegate of the State Committee of Turkmenistan on Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography. As part of the event, the Turkmen specialist held a series of working meetings with heads of international media organisations and leading broadcasting companies. Of particular note were the talks with the management of Italy's RAI, during which specific steps were discussed towards concluding a cooperation agreement between the broadcasting organisations of the two countries. Equally productive was the meeting with representatives of the European Broadcasting Union, who offered Turkmenistan associate membership of this prestigious international body.
UNICEF summer school begins in Turkmenistan
11.06.2025A youth summer school on climate change has begun in Turkmenistan, according to the online publication Big Asia. Participants have already held their first training session. Over the course of several weeks, more than 30 participants from across the country will study topics related to climate change, water resource management and disaster risk reduction. The programme also includes the development of leadership and negotiation skills for participation in the climate agenda at the national and international levels. Participants are preparing for the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change and the development of a National Youth Climate Statement. ‘This is not just a series of lectures, but a strategic investment in the future of the country's climate policy,’ said Alexander Nartea, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Turkmenistan, at the opening of the school.
The Turkmenistan Pavilion at EXPO-2025 in Osaka is breaking visitor records
10.06.2025The Turkmenistan pavilion was one of the most visited at the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. It was visited by 24,000 people out of 190,000 visitors to the exhibition in one day. According to a survey by ABC Television, the pavilion ranked third in popularity, behind France and Kuwait. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The pavilion attracts attention with its original architecture: it is designed in the shape of a rounded triangle with a dome. The exterior combines motifs from the Karakum Desert, Turkmen carpets and Akhalteke horses. The construction was carried out using environmentally friendly materials. The pavilion has three levels. The first level is an immersive zone with a virtual tour of Turkmenistan. The second floor showcases the country's achievements in various fields, including medicine and education. The third floor is dedicated to culture: carpets, embroidery, museum exhibits and national cuisine are on display here. The pavilion takes on a special atmosphere in the evening thanks to its impressive lighting. The exhibition will be open until autumn 2025.
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