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A meeting with a representative from Libya took place at the IIR MFA
14.07.2026Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mahmud A.M.Hasan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting on 13 July, the parties discussed the development of academic and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of specialised courses, the expansion of inter-university exchanges of experience, and promising areas for collaboration. A tour of the Institute of International Relations was also organised for the diplomat. He visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy and the UNESCO ‘Culture of Peace’ Club, where he viewed historical exhibits, archival materials and student projects.
A student from Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism
14.07.2026Yusup Orazov, a first-year student at the Faculty of International Journalism of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism 2026, which took place from 28 June to 12 July in the Republic of Tajikistan, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The educational project was organised by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, for young media professionals and aspiring journalists from Central Asian countries. During the programme, participants studied modern approaches to media work, standards of professional ethics, issues of media literacy and methods of countering disinformation. The practical component included a visit to the state television channel ‘Safina’, where students learnt about the processes involved in producing television programmes, studio operations and the creation of news bulletins. Twenty students and young professionals from leading universities in Central Asia took part in the media intensive, including representatives from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the University of Central Asia (UCA), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai), Ala-Too International University and the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU). Upon completion of the course, Yusup Orazov was awarded an international certificate. The organisers highlighted the importance of the project for the professional development of young professionals and expressed their intention to continue running the programme in the future.
Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to protect ecosystems and restore land
14.07.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up measures to combat desertification as part of the UN Decade of Action (2025–2034). The country is implementing its third National Forest Programme (2026–2030), under which afforestation efforts are continuing. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Since 1993, more than 160 million trees have been planted, including saxaul, which helps to stabilise the sand. Particular attention is being paid to the restoration of the Aral Sea region’s ecosystem. Protective forest belts are being created on the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea and the Botendag hills, whilst engineering methods are also being used to stabilise the sand. One of the key international initiatives will be the establishment in Ashgabat of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification, which will coordinate cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in the areas of pasture restoration, the rational use of water resources and the exchange of environmental expertise.
The fleet of the ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation has been replenished with modern ‘Sitrak’ tractors
14.07.2026The ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation has taken delivery of four new ‘Sitrak ZZ4406 V395 ME’ heavy-duty tractor units, designed to transport heavy drilling equipment and materials to remote geological exploration sites. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The new vehicles have a high load capacity, a powerful engine, a reinforced chassis and are adapted for operation in the challenging road and climatic conditions of Turkmenistan. Modern control systems and a comfortable cab also enhance safety and driver comfort. The expansion of the vehicle fleet will help speed up the implementation of geological exploration projects, improve the efficiency of transporting machinery and equipment, and strengthen the material and technical base of the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed human capital development and support for young people
12.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a meeting with Octavian Bivol, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for joint work in the areas of human capital development, the protection of children’s rights, support for young people and the improvement of social policy. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmenistan regards cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies as an important component of its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants paid particular attention to investment in education, healthcare and social protection for children and young people as key factors for long-term socio-economic development. Octavian Bivol noted that more than half of Turkmenistan’s population is under 30, describing this as a significant advantage for the country’s future development. The parties agreed that supporting the younger generation would enable this demographic potential to be utilised as effectively as possible. A UNICEF initiative to hold a presentation in Brussels of the regional report ‘Generation 2050 in Central Asia’ was also discussed. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan supported this idea, proposing that the event be used as a platform for dialogue between the countries of Central Asia, European Union institutions, international financial organisations and development partners on issues relating to investment in human capital and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to further develop their partnership and implement joint regional initiatives.
309,000 square metres of housing were built in Turkmenistan in six months
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stated that the results for the first half of the year demonstrate the successful implementation of socio-economic development programmes and the utilisation of investments. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, GDP growth of 6.3 per cent was driven by high levels of construction and investment activity. Between January and June, 309,000 square metres of housing were completed in the velayats, cities and etraps. During the reporting period, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was channelled into the country’s economy and infrastructure, which is 4.3 per cent more than in the previous year. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, modern housing estates, schools, nurseries and other social institutions.
Research findings in the field of demography were presented in Ashgabat
12.07.2026A conference marking World Population Day was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised in collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Turkmenistan, focused on demographic trends, sustainable development and gender equality, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed global changes in fertility rates, the findings of the MICS7 programme, a study on the population’s reproductive intentions, and the implementation of national initiatives in the field of human rights. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties outlined further areas for cooperation in the field of demographic policy.
A new commemorative medal has been established in Turkmenistan to mark the anniversary of independence
12.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Law establishing the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The new award is intended for military personnel and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have distinguished themselves in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and constitutional order, as well as those who have contributed to the preparation and conduct of the celebratory military parade. The law came into force on the day of its signing. The medal is designed as a gold-plated octagon featuring elements of state symbolism, images of a map of Turkmenistan, the Independence Monument and the ‘Arkadag’ monument, as well as the commemorative inscription ‘XXXV’.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed cooperation on migration
11.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, held a meeting with Freddy Rosemont, Director-General of the Belgian Immigration Service. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between the immigration authorities of the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Particular attention was paid to the protection of citizens’ rights abroad, the exchange of expertise in the field of migration policy, and the strengthening of working relations between the relevant agencies. The possibility of drafting a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of migration was also considered. The Ambassador noted the increase in the international mobility of citizens and emphasised the importance of cooperation on issues relating to identity verification, the replacement of documents and consular assistance. The Belgian side expressed its readiness to develop cooperation, proposing to organise reciprocal visits by representatives of the two countries’ migration services to exchange experience. In addition, the participants discussed the possible simplification of visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports in the context of developing Turkmenistan’s relations with the Benelux countries. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain contact and identify further areas of cooperation in the field of migration.
An initiative to improve children’s legal literacy has been implemented in Turkmenistan
11.07.2026More than 100 children from various regions of Turkmenistan took part in interactive sessions on children’s rights, held at summer camps in Turkmenabat, Tejen and the ‘Ýaşlyk’ centre in Gokdere. This was reported by the IIC. The initiative was organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education’s Innovation and Information Centre, the Ombudsman’s Office and UNICEF. Through games, group discussions and creative activities, the children learnt about the key provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to education, protection, participation and development. Participants also learnt about the work of national and international organisations in protecting children’s rights, and learnt how to express their opinions and respect the rights of others. UNICEF noted that such activities help children become more informed, confident and active members of society. The programme is being implemented as part of a partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan to support the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the National Action Plan for the Realisation of Children’s Rights for 2023–2028.
Turkmenistan is developing digital solutions in the field of population registration
11.07.2026A working meeting on the digitalisation of the civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system was held at the UN building in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organised by the UNFPA Country Office in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the State Committee on Statistics as part of the work plans for 2026. Participants discussed international and regional experience in developing CRVS, improving data exchange between agencies, and introducing digital solutions into the demographic registration system. The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies in Turkmenistan, as well as experts from the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. During the discussion, issues relating to coordination between health, civil registration, statistics and home affairs authorities were examined, and further steps for the development of the digital population register were identified.
A UN initiative to strengthen peace was discussed in the capital of Turkmenistan
11.07.2026A briefing for diplomats and media representatives was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat, focusing on the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Decade for Reinforcing Peace for Future Generations’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document, initiated by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, was adopted on 25 June. The Resolution proclaims the years 2027–2036 as the International Decade for the Consolidation of Peace, the Promotion of Dialogue and Mutual Trust. Tajikistan’s Ambassador, Vafo Niyatbekzoda, noted that the initiative is aimed at preventing conflicts, increasing youth participation in decision-making and safeguarding the interests of future generations. The experience of Central Asian countries in the peaceful resolution of border issues was cited as an example of the implementation of these principles.
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