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Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in equestrian competitions and a conference in Uzbekistan
02.05.2026Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the international equestrian competitions and ‘The Pearl of the East’ beauty contest, which will be held from 9 to 10 May in Tashkent. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The issue of preparations for events related to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports was discussed on 1 May at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. A report on the matter was presented by Tangryguly Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Also, as part of the Turkmen delegation’s visit to Uzbekistan, participation in the conference ‘The Ahal-Teke Horse – a Symbol of Friendship between Nations’ is planned. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that national horse breeders and Ahal-Teke horses be ensured participation in the upcoming international events.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the resumption of air links
02.05.2026Turkmenistan and Pakistan have discussed the resumption of direct air links. The matter was discussed at a meeting between Pakistan’s Ambassador Faryal Leghari and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Batyr Annayev, according to Infoportal, citing the press service of the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Ashgabat. The parties confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the transport and communications sectors. Among the priorities are the development of civil aviation and the resolution of organisational issues for the launch of scheduled flights. Road and rail transport were also discussed. The possibility of Pakistan accessing Central Asian markets via Turkmenistan was noted. An increase in trade turnover using rail routes through Iran was considered. The meeting participants agreed to accelerate work on trade agreements ahead of the upcoming visit by the Turkmen delegation to Islamabad.
Moldova paid tribute to the memory of the Turkmen writer Nurmyrat Saryhanov
02.05.2026On 29 April, a formal ceremony was held in the Moldovan village of Delacau to mark the 120th anniversary of the birth of Nurmyrat Saryhanov, a classic of Turkmen literature. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was attended by Toyly Atayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the Anenii Noi district administration, members of the public and local residents. Those attending the ceremony paid tribute to the writer by laying flowers at the memorial where he is buried. Nurmyrat Saryhanov died in May 1944, fighting for the liberation of Moldova from the fascist invaders. His fate became a symbol of the unity of literary talent and personal heroism: in 1942, he went to the front, setting aside his creative work in favour of the struggle for freedom. The memorial in Delacau, where the writer’s memory is enshrined, has been extensively restored on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
The Turkmenistan Women’s Union and UNICEF discussed support for mothers
01.05.2026A meeting took place at the Centre for Public Organisations of Turkmenistan between Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Central Council of the Women’s Union, and Jalpa Ratna, Head of the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed programmes to support parenthood and promote breastfeeding. Berdiliyeva spoke about the Women’s Union’s educational work among young women as part of the ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’ strategy. New areas of cooperation in the field of early childhood development were also discussed. Jalpa Ratna noted the effectiveness of the partnership with the Women’s Union and expressed her willingness to continue joint projects.
Turkmenistan represented the IT sector at a forum in Japan
01.05.2026A delegation from the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan took part in the international innovation forum ‘SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026’, which was held in Tokyo from 27 to 29 April 2026. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The forum brought together companies, start-ups and experts from various countries. The main focus was on new technologies, digital solutions and the development of international cooperation. Participants presented developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, ‘smart’ cities, ‘green’ energy and the digital economy. There was also an exchange of experience and discussion of joint projects. The Turkmen delegation held working meetings with foreign technology companies. Discussions centred on digital infrastructure, telecommunications, AI, services and the development of the start-up ecosystem.
An OSCE seminar on identifying victims of human trafficking was held in Ashgabat
01.05.2026On 28–29 April 2026, a seminar entitled ‘Identifying victims of human trafficking: strengthening national security through a multidisciplinary approach’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by the OSCE. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was hosted by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Its aim was to present the practices of participating States in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing them with assistance. Experts from the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings spoke about indicators of such crimes and methods for profiling victims and offenders. The OSCE’s international obligations and the experience of countries in the region were also examined. Particular attention was paid to legislation and measures for the long-term support of victims. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, stated that Turkmenistan is participating in international efforts to combat human trafficking. According to him, the seminar aims to develop an approach that takes into account the social and psychological aspects of working with victims. Participants discussed the importance of addressing the post-traumatic condition of victims and the need for inter-agency cooperation in identifying them. The seminar was attended by representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Bar Association and civil society organisations.
Turkmenistan is stepping up its cooperation with Chinese IT companies
01.05.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan held negotiations in Ashgabat with representatives of leading Chinese technology companies. The negotiations were attended by Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, Minister of Communications. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the field of high technology. The talks focused on joint projects, including the establishment of research centres in the field of artificial intelligence, the implementation of Internet of Things and ‘smart city’ solutions, as well as the development of neural network and quantum technologies. Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev noted that artificial intelligence is regarded as a strategic priority. According to him, such technologies are important for improving the efficiency of public administration and the development of medicine, education and the economy. The negotiations were attended by representatives from ‘Huawei Technologies Co., LTD’, ‘FE ZTE INVESTMENT LLC’, ‘Shanghai DTSpace Futech Auto Tech Co.’, ‘Xinjiang Poplar Cable Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’ and ‘China Information and Communication Technologies Group Corporation’.
Ashgabat is set to become the hub for agro-industrial and food innovation in Central Asia
01.05.2026From 12 to 14 May, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the international exhibitions ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’. For the fifth time, they will serve as a key business platform for the agro-industrial and food sectors of Central Asia, according to the news agency Orient. The exhibitions will cover the entire production cycle — from food and beverages to processing and packaging technologies. A particular focus is placed on the agricultural sector: modern irrigation systems, equipment for greenhouses and livestock farming. Companies from Turkmenistan, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, China, the USA and Belarus have confirmed their participation, which strengthens international cooperation in the region. Interest in the exhibitions stems from Turkmenistan’s economic growth, the demand for new technologies, and the country’s development as a logistics hub due to its advantageous geographical location and routes across the Caspian Sea. The ‘Agro Pack’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan’ venues will also serve as a venue for B2B meetings with distributors, wholesale companies and government bodies, enabling participants to conclude commercial agreements.
Turkmenistan is studying Germany’s experience with a view to joining the WTO
30.04.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up its preparations for WTO accession by studying the experience of European countries. A series of meetings is taking place in Berlin from 27 April to 1 May, where a Turkmen delegation is analysing German approaches to the formulation of trade policy, according to the news agency Orient. The visit has been organised by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and aims to strengthen the expert base for cooperation with the organisation. During negotiations at relevant German ministries, issues such as market access, coordination within the framework of multilateral trade and institutional preparations for membership are being discussed. Particular attention is being paid to agricultural trade, export support and government-business cooperation. The topics of sustainable development and climate cooperation are also being addressed. According to the participants, the experience gained will help Turkmenistan improve its trade policy and prepare more effectively for integration into the global economy.
Young people in Turkmenistan discussed the future of green cities
30.04.2026On 28 April, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction hosted an interactive seminar entitled ‘Green Cities through the Eyes of Youth’, organised with the support of UNDP. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, aimed at developing an energy-efficient and sustainable construction sector with funding from the Global Environment Facility. The seminar focused on fostering an environmental culture, developing leadership skills and deepening young people’s understanding of the principles of sustainable urban development. The discussions were attended by students from leading universities, SDG ambassadors, climate activists, as well as experts and international consultants from UNDP and the European Union’s ‘SECCA’ project. The organisers note that the event helped to increase youth participation in promoting sustainable urban solutions and strengthen their engagement with the global climate agenda.
Ashgabat hosted a briefing on the UN International Water Conference
30.04.2026A briefing for the diplomatic corps and the media was held in the Turkmen capital. Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, spoke about preparations for the Fourth High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028’. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum will take place in Dushanbe from 25 to 28 May 2026. It is organised by the Government of Tajikistan in conjunction with the UN. The co-chairs will be the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and the Head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The conference will serve as the main preparatory event for the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-chaired by Senegal and the UAE. The agenda includes the implementation of the UN Water Action Agenda, the exchange of experiences and the search for solutions to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Participants will also discuss the outcomes of the Decade for Action on Water and the formulation of the UN’s post-2030 water agenda. The forum will be held in an in-person format. Delegations from UN member states, heads of international financial institutions, scientists and representatives of the private sector are expected to attend. Youth and women’s organisations, as well as representatives of indigenous peoples, have been invited to participate in the discussions.
A regional seminar on nuclear safety was held in Ashgabat, attended by 12 countries
28.04.2026A regional IAEA workshop, supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and dedicated to ensuring the nuclear security of materials outside regulatory control, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including states in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Mongolia. Participants included staff from customs and border services, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. The main focus was on strengthening national control systems to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and improve operational response to threats. The seminar confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to complying with international standards and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security.
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