Information
A caracal cub has been spotted for the first time in Turkmenistan
01.08.2025A cub of the caracal, a rare cat species native to southern and Central Asia, has been spotted in Turkmenistan for the first time. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. This may indicate the successful reproduction of the species at the northern border of its range and the stability of the local population. The exact number of caracals in the region remains unknown. Scientific programmes are being implemented to study their ecology and distribution in Turkmenistan, with support from, among others, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The organisation assists with monitoring the species, which contributes to a better understanding of the population status in the region. The caracal, also known as the steppe lynx, is distinguished by tufts on its ears and its secretive behaviour. It plays an important role in regulating the population of small animals and serves as an ecological indicator.
Astana has become a symbolic platform for strengthening ties with Turkmenistan
31.07.2025An event was held in Astana to highlight the strong inter-state ties with Turkmenistan. For two days, the logo ‘2025 - International Year of Peace and Trust’ was displayed on a large screen installed on the city's central embankment. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was initiated by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan. The event was timed to coincide with two significant occasions: the UN decision to declare 2025 the Year of Peace and Trust, and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The display of symbols in one of the central spaces of Astana demonstrates Kazakhstan's support for Turkmenistan's peaceful foreign policy initiatives and testifies to the friendly relations between the two countries. This event reflects the high level of cooperation based on strategic partnership and mutual trust.
Turkmenistan has implemented the X-Road system for interdepartmental data exchange
29.07.2025In Turkmenistan, as part of the state digitalisation programme, an interdepartmental electronic data exchange system based on the Estonian X-Road platform has been launched. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. 10 ministries and departments, as well as 12 state electronic services, are connected to the system. The project is being implemented under an agreement between the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and UNDP. The contractor is the Estonian company ‘Nortal AS’. The X-Road platform, installed on the basis of the telecommunications company ‘Turkmentelecom’, complies with cybersecurity standards. Security servers have been deployed for its operation. As part of the project, 75 specialists have been trained in the platform, network technologies and programming languages, and all have received certificates. The system simplifies data exchange between agencies, expands access to public services and contributes to the development of the ‘e-government system’.
Ashgabat presents methane standard for oil and gas industry
28.07.2025The OSCE Center in Ashgabat presented a new Standard on Oil and Gas Methane to the State Concern “Türkmengaz” and other partners in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document was developed by an international expert and is intended to assist national authorities in establishing uniform approaches to accounting for and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, in accordance with international standards. As noted by the Head of the OSCE Center, John MacGregor, the initiative aims to support Turkmenistan in fulfilling its commitments under the Global Methane Pledge. The standard is planned to be applied in the work of the State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’, as well as other relevant organizations. Two consultations with the participation of state structures were held during the development process.
A professional course on media literacy and digital trends was held in Ashgabat
25.07.2025From 22 to 23 July, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a specialised training course for journalists on media literacy, digital technologies and the legal framework for modern journalism. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The training was attended by young employees of central and departmental media outlets in Turkmenistan, including representatives of online journalism. The training was conducted by Irina Imamkuliyeva, a journalist of the ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ newspaper, Svetlana Chirtsova, a correspondent for the State News Agency, and Abdulkerim Muhammedov, a lawyer from Ashgabat. The course covered key aspects of media security, prospects for the development of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence, and legal standards for working with information. Particular attention was paid to issues of professional ethics within the framework of national legislation and international norms. At the opening of the event, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ambassador John MacGregor, noted Turkmenistan's commitment to media freedom and human rights.
An official LLDC 3 mobile app has been launched in Turkmenistan
21.07.2025In anticipation of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will take place from 4 to 8 August 2025 in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a special mobile application has been developed. This digital tool is designed to make participation in the event as convenient as possible, providing users with instant access to up-to-date information. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The LLDC 3 app includes the full conference programme with the option to view the schedule of sessions and events. Participants can view speaker profiles to learn about their professional experience and achievements. An interactive map helps users navigate the conference venue by showing the location of all important facilities. An important feature is the notification system, which promptly informs users of any changes to the programme. For convenient networking, the app provides information about other participants, which facilitates effective business communication. The app can be downloaded from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android by scanning the QR code from the official conference website. After downloading, you will need to enter the email address used during registration and confirm activation via a link in the email or by entering the code manually. For users who have already installed the app, access to LLDC 3 materials is available via the ‘More’ section and ‘My other events’. The LLDC 3 mobile app is a modern and convenient way to make your conference experience as productive and comfortable as possible.
OSCE training course on gender issues in media concludes in Ashgabat
16.07.2025The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a training course for media representatives on the specifics of covering gender issues. Over several days, journalists, editors and representatives of relevant agencies studied international standards for working with such material. This was reported by the IIC. The training programme included theoretical and practical sessions, during which participants analysed examples from local and foreign media, learned correct terminology and how to avoid gender stereotypes in their work. Special attention was paid to the principles of neutral and objective reporting. OSCE representatives noted that the course did not aim to change media editorial policies, but was aimed at expanding the professional competencies of journalists. Upon completion of the training, all participants received certificates. The event was part of systematic efforts to improve media literacy on gender equality issues in Central Asia.
LLDC 3 in Turkmenistan: towards sustainable development and cooperation
16.07.2025The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) will be held on the Caspian coast in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone from 4 to 8 August. Preparations for the forum are in full swing, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Over the course of five days, participants will enjoy a packed programme covering political, economic and cultural issues. Plenary sessions, high-level forums, round tables and national days for Central Asian countries are planned. Special attention will be paid to the role of parliaments, civil society and young people in promoting sustainable development. The Youth Forum will be a platform for presenting initiatives and ideas aimed at overcoming the challenges faced by landlocked countries. Delegations from 32 countries, representatives of the UN, international organisations, parliaments, financial institutions and the private sector are expected to attend. The conference coincides with the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The forum in Avaza will be an important platform for discussing ways to integrate and promote sustainable development in these countries.
Turkmenistan and India discussed expanding cultural cooperation
16.07.2025On 15 July, a working meeting was held at the International Information Centre of Turkmenistan between Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, and Kanishka Singh, First Secretary of the Embassy of India. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. During the talks, the parties paid special attention to preparations for the upcoming cultural festival ‘WAVES Bazaar,’ scheduled for the end of July in Ashgabat. The prospects for expanding cooperation in the media sphere were discussed, including regular screenings of Indian films on Turkmen television, the creation of joint music programmes on radio and the implementation of film projects involving creative teams from both countries. Considerable attention was paid to the development of partnership in the digital space, including content exchange and cooperation in the field of new media. The participants of the meeting emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue as an effective tool for strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and India. The parties expressed satisfaction with the progress of the negotiations and confirmed their intention to continue working to expand humanitarian cooperation. The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, demonstrating mutual interest in developing cultural ties.
‘Turkmenistan’ Airlines has started flights to Seoul
15.07.2025On 14 July, the first direct flight from Ashgabat International Airport to the capital Seoul was operated by ‘Turkmenistan’ Airlines. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The route is 5,842 kilometres long, and the flight time is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The first flight was fully booked, with 365 passengers on board. According to the schedule, regular flights on the Ashgabat-Seoul-Ashgabat route will be operated once a week on Mondays. The opening of the new route is intended to improve transport accessibility for students, businesspeople and tourists, as well as simplify logistics between the two countries. The new route is part of a strategy to expand Turkmenistan's international air network and strengthen cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the field of civil aviation.
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.
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