Society
A Turkmen company presented an infrastructure project at a business forum in Tbilisi
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, as part of the visit to Georgia by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum and an exhibition of Turkmen products and services took place in Tbilisi, attended by representatives of government bodies and the business community from both countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The company ‘Ojar Aziýa’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, presented a project for the construction of the ‘Sarahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ high-speed motorway, aimed at developing the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthening its transit potential. During the forum, particular attention was paid to the development of international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor and the ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania’ route. The project presented is in line with the objectives of expanding logistics links along the Lapis Lazuli, North–South and East–West routes. ‘Ojar Aziýa’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the company’s capabilities in the fields of construction and infrastructure, as well as to discuss new avenues for international cooperation.
Turkmenistan was represented at the UN meeting on sustainable urban development
19.07.2026From 16 to 17 July, a high-level meeting of the General Assembly dedicated to the mid-term review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda took place at the UN headquarters in New York. Participants discussed the achievements of the decade since 2016 and measures to develop sustainable cities up to 2036, according to the news agency Orient. The forum took place against a backdrop of growing global challenges: around 58 per cent of the world’s population already lives in cities, more than 3 billion people face housing problems, and urban areas account for over 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The Turkmenistan delegation presented its approach to the development of urban infrastructure. Abdylla Geldiyev, Minister of Construction and Architecture, noted that creating a safe and comfortable urban environment is one of the country’s strategic priorities. The city of Arkadag – Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart city’, built from scratch – attracted particular attention from participants. The project combines digital technologies, intelligent transport systems, environmental standards and energy-efficient solutions. Following the forum, the participants adopted a Political Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced cities by 2036. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with the UN in the field of urban development.
An e-sports tournament was held in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan
18.07.2026Open friendly Counter-Strike 2 matches were held in Turkmenistan in the Karakum Desert. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the LevelUp cyber club and the country’s National Esports Federation (TMESF). A gaming area with carpets and an off-grid power supply was set up on the sand dunes for the tournament. The organisers noted that this format combines esports with outdoor recreation. The LevelUp club has previously held outdoor gaming events, including one at the Darwaza gas crater.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan visited the Shanghai Art Museum
18.07.2026Parahat Durdyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China, visited the Shanghai Art Museum, where he discussed the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The museum’s management noted the contribution of the Turkmen diplomatic mission to the organisation of joint exhibitions, forums and projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage. The parties discussed new initiatives, including artist exchanges and the development of academic programmes. The Ambassador emphasised the importance of cultural and educational ties in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Turkmenistan and China. As part of his visit, the diplomat also met with Turkmen students studying in Shanghai and urged them to help foster friendly relations between the two countries.
An evening in memory of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was held in Ashgabat
18.07.2026A commemorative event dedicated to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan; Abdolreza Abbasi, the Embassy’s Cultural Counsellor; teachers and students of Persian language courses; and representatives of the media. The Head of the diplomatic mission expressed his gratitude to the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for their efforts to develop bilateral cooperation. He also noted the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in the farewell ceremony in Tehran. Abdolreza Abbasi, Adviser on Cultural Affairs, spoke about the leader’s role in Iran’s state policy and public life, his spiritual legacy and his contribution to strengthening good-neighbourly ties between Iran and Turkmenistan. The event featured the reading of commemorative texts and poems, the screening of documentary footage, the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, and joint prayers.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the management of the ESSEC Business School
18.07.2026On 16 July 2026, a meeting took place at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Paris between M. Charyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the French Republic, and Julien Malaurent, Executive Vice-President and Dean of Post-Experience Programs and Corporate Relations at the ESSEC Business School. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between ESSEC and educational institutions in Turkmenistan in the fields of higher education, science and staff training. Possible areas of cooperation include joint educational programmes, academic exchanges of students and lecturers, professional development for senior management, and the exchange of expertise in the management of educational institutions. Julien Malaurent outlined the activities of the ESSEC Business School and expressed interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. Ambassador M. Charyev emphasised the priority of international partnerships in the field of education and provided information on the activities of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, which opened in 2025. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in a long-term partnership and agreed to maintain contact on specific areas of cooperation.
Human rights and gender equality were discussed in Ashgabat
18.07.2026A meeting of development partners focusing on human rights and gender equality took place in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed current initiatives and the outcomes of the latest round of the ‘EU–Turkmenistan’ Dialogue on Human Rights. The main focus was on the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030. Representatives of the European Union noted that ensuring equal opportunities is one of the priorities of its work.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in WAIC 2026
18.07.2026The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) and a high-level meeting on global technology governance are taking place in Shanghai from 17 to 20 July. Turkmenistan is represented by a delegation led by the country’s Minister of Communications, Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum, held under the motto ‘AI Partnership for a Brighter Future’, has brought together more than 1,100 technology companies and around 1,400 experts, scientists and representatives of government departments. The exhibition area exceeded 100,000 square metres. Chinese President Xi Jinping took part in the opening ceremony. Turkmenistan’s participation reflects the country’s priority focus on digitalisation and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies in the development of its national infrastructure.
Ashgabat and Seoul discussed cooperation between their parliaments
17.07.2026On 16 July 2026, a meeting of the Turkmen-Korean Interparliamentary Friendship Groups took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed ways to improve the work of the interparliamentary friendship groups and to develop cooperation between the relevant committees. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on issues relating to political and diplomatic, legislative and inter-regional cooperation. It was noted that relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea are developing in the political and economic, cultural and humanitarian, and inter-parliamentary spheres, as well as within the framework of international organisations. The participants highlighted the achievements of the Turkmen-Korean Business Council and the inter-governmental working group on trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation.Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, fuel and energy, logistics, digital and transport sectors, as well as in shipbuilding and the study of the Korean language. It was also noted at the meeting that Turkmen youth are receiving education at higher education institutions in the Republic of Korea. The Korean language is taught in general education schools in Turkmenistan and at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The parties expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries through inter-parliamentary cooperation.
A meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea took place at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
17.07.2026On 16 July, D. Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, met with a delegation from the Republic of Korea led by Choi Hyung Du, Chair of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The South Korean parliamentarians were briefed on the main thrusts of Turkmenistan’s domestic and foreign policy, which is based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, humanity and trust, as well as on the activities of the Mejlis. The parties noted the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the development of relations between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ inter-parliamentary forum, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the Republic of Korea in 2022. It was noted that the working visit of the President of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan had contributed to the further development of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries. The Turkmen side also expressed its gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its support for Turkmenistan’s peace-loving policy and international initiatives, including the proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the further development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the promotion of Peace and Trust between states and peoples, and the expansion of cooperation within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy.
Turkmenistan paid tribute to the father of the Emir of Qatar
17.07.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ashgabat to offer his condolences on the death of the father of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the diplomatic mission, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by the Qatari Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Nasser Ahmed Mohammed Al-Taher. A book of condolences was opened at the Qatari Embassy. Nokerguly Atagulyev, representatives of the Turkmen authorities, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan all left messages in the book. Representatives of the Arab community living in the country also paid their respects.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Connect for Peace 2026’ media festival in Almaty
17.07.2026Representatives of the media and the media community in Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘Connect for Peace Festival 2026’, dedicated to the development of media literacy, which took place in Almaty. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event brought together more than 100 journalists, media experts and representatives of civil society organisations from Central Asian countries. The festival marked the conclusion of the two-year regional project ‘CARAVAN’, implemented by ‘Internews’ with the support of the European Union. As part of the project, around 1,500 pieces of content were produced, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the information environment to disinformation. The programme included panel discussions, expert sessions and practical workshops on media literacy, digital security, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, combating disinformation and the financial sustainability of the media. Participants also discussed effective business models for independent newsrooms and exchanged experiences on implementing successful media projects. The organisers screened documentaries on the culture, environment and history of Central Asia, and a tour of the Almaty State Art Museum was arranged for the guests. The Turkmen delegation’s participation marked a continuation of cooperation under the ‘CARAVAN’ project. Earlier, in May, training sessions on media literacy, digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence were held in Ashgabat with EU support for students, lecturers, representatives of relevant government departments and the media.
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