Society
International standards for reducing methane emissions were discussed in Ashgabat
02.10.2026On 1 October, a consultation meeting on international standards and regulations for reducing methane emissions took place in Ashgabat. The event was held at the Natural Gas Research Institute, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Mejlis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as well as the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ took part in the discussion. The meeting was organised with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan as part of the project ‘EU for a green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029’. The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office. The project is being implemented by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). Participants reviewed Turkmenistan’s current regulatory framework and approaches to its improvement, taking into account international best practice. In particular, they discussed the provisions of the EU Regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. Following the meeting, methodological approaches were identified for adapting international practices to Turkmenistan’s national conditions and development priorities.
Turkmenistan shared its experience in the field of migration at a forum in Samarkand
01.10.2026From 28 to 29 September 2026, the 5th Samarkand Human Rights Forum took place in Samarkand. The event was attended by international experts and representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the agency’s press office. The main topics of the forum were the factors contributing to human trafficking, international experience in combating this phenomenon, and the use of information technology to identify victims of human trafficking. Participants discussed the identification of victims of human trafficking, the provision of assistance to them, and cooperation between state institutions, civil society and international organisations. The Turkmen delegation presented information on the country’s work in the field of migration, humanitarian policy and cooperation with international organisations. Following the forum, the parties expressed their willingness to continue their mutual cooperation.
A Turkmen student on a Persian language course has won a prize in an essay competition
01.10.2026Selim Annaberdiyev, a student on the Persian language course at the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan, came third in the ‘Great Civilisation’ international essay competition. The awards ceremony took place on 25 September at the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy, according to IIC Turkmenistan. Annaberdiyev submitted an essay on the history and culture of Iran. For his third place, he received a cash prize of 500 US dollars and a certificate. The award was presented to him by Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, and Abdolreza Abbasi, Cultural Counsellor. The competition was organised by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation of Iran. The ceremony took place as part of an event marking Persian Poetry Day and commemorating the poet Shahriyar.
Turkmenistan is taking part in the C5+1 conference on AI
01.10.2026Turkmenistan took part in the C5+1 SI Conference, dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence and digital cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United States. The forum took place on 29–30 September in Astana, according to Turkmenportal. Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the United States are taking part in the conference. On the first day, discussions focused on national strategies in the field of AI, digital infrastructure, cyber security and the application of technology across various sectors. On 30 September, participants examined issues relating to workforce development for the digital economy, the growth of AI start-ups, venture capital investment and collaboration between universities and research centres. The agenda also included cross-border data exchange and digital trade. A separate session organised by the Silkroad Innovation Hub and MIT is dedicated to Central Asia’s readiness for the implementation of AI. The conference was concluded with a discussion of priorities and future areas of cooperation between the countries of the region and the US in the field of artificial intelligence and new technologies. The areas of technological cooperation are set out in the Declaration of Intent between the ‘C5+1’ countries on economic cooperation. The document provides for support for IT start-ups, the development of cooperation in AI research and education, as well as digital infrastructure, data centres and cyber security. The ‘C5+1’ format has been in operation since 2015 and brings together Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the US. The platform is used to discuss issues relating to the economy, security and regional cooperation.
Turkmenistan has launched digital immigration services
01.10.2026Two digital services have been launched in Turkmenistan to simplify entry and stay for foreign nationals — an e-visa system and an online registration portal. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The services were presented at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Heads of foreign diplomatic missions, whilst Turkmenistan’s ambassadors abroad joined via video link. The e-visa system on the migration.gov.tm portal allows users to submit applications for entry permits online. The rgstr.migration.gov.tm portal has digitised the process of registering foreign nationals with the migration authorities. The new services enable tourists, businesspeople and diplomats to submit the necessary documents online from any device, reducing processing times and minimising the use of paper documents.
Armenia will host the CIS Games in 2029
01.10.2026The 2029 CIS Games will be held in Armenia. Yerevan will be designated the Commonwealth’s Sports Capital, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council on Physical Culture and Sport of the CIS Member States in Almaty. The meeting on 27 September was attended by representatives from nine countries, including Turkmenistan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The participants reviewed progress in the field of physical culture and sport, exchanged experiences and discussed further cooperation within the framework of joint programmes. Armenia has previously hosted meetings of the Council. In 2024, Gyumri was awarded the status of Sports Capital of the Commonwealth and served as the venue for the Council’s meeting. The next meeting of the CIS Council on Physical Culture and Sport is scheduled to take place in Armenia as part of the preparations for the 2029 Games.
Turkmenistan’s tourism opportunities were showcased in Tokyo
30.09.2026The company ‘Bilimli Diýar’ (BD-Travel) showcased Turkmenistan’s tourism opportunities at the international Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 exhibition, held from 24 to 27 September in Tokyo. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event, held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre, brought together 1,420 organisations from 74 countries and around 180,000 visitors. BD-Travel had its own stand and held B2B meetings with Japanese and international travel companies. The parties discussed the development of mutual tourist flows, direct contracts and the promotion of itineraries in Turkmenistan. Visitors to the exhibition were introduced to Ashgabat, the ancient cities of Nisa, Merv and Margush, the Darvaza Crater, the Yangigala Canyons, the Dinosaur Plateau and the ‘Awaza’ resort area. The stand also featured performances of national music and a display of traditional Turkmenistan costumes. BD-Travel has previously showcased its tourism products at exhibitions in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka and Berlin. The company is also preparing new tourism and festive itineraries for 2027.
The winners of the festive races were awarded cash prizes
30.09.2026On September 28, the Ashgabat Equestrian Center hosted celebratory horse races to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The winners of the seven races received cash prizes, and the grand prize winner also received the President of Turkmenistan's Challenge Cup. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The winning horses were: Nyazli, owned by the Berkararlyk Etrap Administration in Ashgabat. Jockey: P. Orazov; groom: W. Gayipov. Ayyildyz, owned by the Ashgabat City Administration. Jockey: Sh. Saryev; groom: H. Gubayev. Bendesen, owned by the ‘Bäherden’ horse-breeding farm of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. Jockey: Ya. Allanazarov; groom: D. Myratguliyev, Honoured Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan. Gonibek, owned by the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Jockey – S. Charyev; groom – O. Annalyev, Master Jockey-Instructor of Turkmenistan. Maksatly, owned by the Ashgabat City Administration. Jockey and groom: R. Seyidov. Gudratlydag, owned by the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. Jockey: Master Rider T. Babayev; groom: Master Groom G. Agamyradov. Bezirgen, owned by the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. Jockey: master rider B. Agamyradov; groom: Honoured Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan M. Agamyradov. The Grand Prize of the President of Turkmenistan was won by the bay-coloured horse Bezirgen. The winner was awarded 300,000 manats and the President of Turkmenistan’s Challenge Cup. The other winners each received 100,000 manats.
Events marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence were held in Ankara and Islamabad
29.09.2026On 27 September 2026, celebratory events were held in Turkey and Pakistan to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In Ankara, the façade of the building housing the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey was illuminated with festive lighting in the colours of the Turkmenistan national flag. The 140-metre-tall building, one of the tallest structures in the Turkish capital, was adorned with images of the traditional Turkmen ‘göl’, the crescent moon and five stars. The illumination served as a symbol of the friendly and fraternal relations between Turkmenistan and Turkey. In Pakistan, festive events took place from 25 to 27 September on the initiative of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. A video dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was shown on the façade screen of The Centaurus Mall, the largest shopping centre, as well as at the Mövenpick Hotel located within the complex. The video introduced residents and visitors to Islamabad to the country’s achievements since independence, its socio-economic development and the main areas of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation. The celebratory presentation also served as a reflection of the friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
The Consulate-General of Turkmenistan held events in Herat
29.09.2026On 26–27 September, the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan in Herat organised events to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In the central districts of Herat, themed videos and photo galleries were broadcast on LED screens in English and Persian. The screenings took place near ‘Cinema’ Square, as well as on the digital billboards of the ‘Zaitoon’ shopping centre on ‘64 Meter’ Avenue. The events were attended by elders and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora living in the provinces of Herat and Badghis. The participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for supporting their compatriots and pursuing a peaceful foreign policy.
Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in a UNESCO seminar in Almaty
28.09.2026The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty hosted a training seminar entitled ‘Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage through Museums in Central Asia’. The event was supported by the International Training Centre for the Study of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (CRIHAP), reports ‘Türkmenmetbugat’. The seminar was attended by experts from Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. They examined contemporary methods for the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage through museum activities. Under the guidance of UNESCO expert Tamara Nikolic Djeric, participants exchanged experiences and discussed the contribution of museums to the preservation of the traditions, crafts and musical arts of the peoples of Central Asia.
The Pakistani Ambassador took part in a tree-planting event in Ashgabat
28.09.2026Faryal Leghari, Pakistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, and embassy staff took part in a tree-planting campaign in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Ashgabat City Administration and the Pakistani Embassy, according to Orient. The Ambassador congratulated the people of the country on Independence Day and highlighted the importance of further developing friendly and fraternal relations between the two states. Faryal Leghari also emphasised the importance of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan in various fields and of continued collaboration. The tree-planting event formed part of the celebrations marking Turkmenistan’s national holiday.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
