Society
A meeting on Turkmen-Austrian cooperation took place in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A business meeting dedicated to the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event took place in a hybrid format: representatives of the Turkmen business community and government bodies attended in person, whilst Austrian companies joined online, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Neda Berger, Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, addressed the meeting. Participants discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation, noting its consistent development and positive momentum. Particular attention was paid to promising joint projects, the introduction of innovations and the expansion of business contacts across various sectors of the economy. Separately, the participants congratulated Neda Berger on being awarded the Golden Decoration of Merit of the Federal State of Vienna. Her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian relations was highlighted. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen economic and cultural cooperation.
The Consul-General of Turkmenistan in Turkey held negotiations with the leadership of the OTS
04.07.2026On 2 July 2026, a meeting took place in Istanbul between Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, Consul-General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey (Istanbul), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The negotiations took place at the Secretariat of the Organisation of Turkic States, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The parties discussed ways of strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States, as well as prospects for expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of their partnership. The importance of regular dialogue in strengthening friendship, good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation was emphasised.
A conference marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A scientific and practical conference marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event took place at the ‘Arçabil’ Hotel. It began with a video presentation on the history of the CPC’s founding and the stages of its development. Ji Shumin, the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming address. The Ambassador spoke about the party’s history, its key objectives, China’s economic development and Beijing’s international initiatives within the United Nations.Representatives from Turkmenistan’s socio-political circles addressed the conference. Chinar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, noted the significance of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and emphasised the role of the recent visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to China in the development of bilateral relations. Participants noted that, over 35 years of diplomatic relations, Turkmenistan and the PRC have established cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and logistics, and educational spheres. The five-year programme of inter-governmental cooperation, signed in April, has given further impetus to cooperation in the gas sector. Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, spoke of the development of inter-party dialogue with the CPC, including within the ‘Central Asia–China’ framework. He also highlighted the significance of the visit to Ashgabat by Ding Xuexiang, First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and of the cooperation between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and China’s CNPC in strengthening the energy partnership. It is noted that Turkmen-Chinese relations have historical roots dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan are expanding their humanitarian cooperation
04.07.2026Diplomats from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan visited the Department for the Promotion of the National Language at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a meeting with the Director-General of the Department, Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar, the parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Pakistani cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to expanding literary and academic exchanges, strengthening ties between educational and research institutions, and implementing joint projects to promote the historical and cultural heritage of both countries. Professor Muhammad Salem Mazhar presented the Turkmen side with a collection of textbooks, academic works and reference publications on the Urdu language. The books received will be sent to the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, where they will be added to the library’s collection and used in educational and academic work. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to continue developing humanitarian and academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
The development of the water sector was discussed in Ashgabat
04.07.2026An inter-ministerial meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the UNECE Global Water Convention took place in Ashgabat. The event was organised with the support of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the State Committee for Water Management, and was attended by representatives of relevant ministries, environmentalists and international experts, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants noted that for Turkmenistan, a significant proportion of whose water resources originate outside the country, international cooperation in the water sector is of strategic importance. It was also emphasised that the distribution of water resources in the region is carried out on the basis of agreed quotas, whilst the modernisation of water management infrastructure and the introduction of water-saving technologies are continuing within the country. During the meeting, discussions centred on the digitalisation of the water sector, adaptation to climate change, and improvements to wastewater treatment and reuse systems. According to the participants, strengthening inter-ministerial and regional cooperation is a key prerequisite for ensuring water security in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and Turkey are expanding their cooperation in the field of shipping
04.07.2026Azat Shanarazov, Chairman of the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, on the sidelines of the 5th Turkey Maritime Summit. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the prospects for the development of maritime transport between Turkmenistan and Turkey. During the negotiations, particular attention was paid to issues of cooperation in the field of shipping, the development of port infrastructure, and the strengthening of transport links in the Caspian region. ‘We will continue to strengthen the enduring friendship between Turkey and Turkmenistan through close cooperation in the maritime sector,’ said the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. The 5th Turkey Maritime Summit brought together representatives from government bodies, the business community and relevant organisations to discuss current issues relating to the development of maritime transport, shipping, port infrastructure and international cooperation within the sector.
Representatives from Turkmenistan discussed issues relating to migration cooperation in Vienna
04.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Deputy Chair of the State Migration Service, took part in the second meeting of senior officials of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling, which took place on 1 July in Vienna. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants discussed issues of regional and international cooperation in the field of migration management, as well as safe, orderly and legal migration. Following the meeting, a draft Work Plan of the Global Alliance for 2026–2028, aimed at developing multilateral cooperation, was reviewed, according to the website of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan took part in an OSCE meeting on human rights
03.07.2026From 29 to 30 June 2026, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the Supplementary Meeting on the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which was held in Vienna (Republic of Austria). This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the event, participants discussed issues relating to the protection of human rights and freedoms, the improvement of the judicial and legal system, and the provision of legal safeguards for individuals in accordance with international standards. The importance of incorporating the provisions of United Nations conventions into national legislation, as well as exchanging experience in this field, was highlighted. It was emphasised that human rights and dignity form the basis of sustainable development and a just society, and also contribute to strengthening international and regional cooperation. The meeting continued in breakout sessions. Discussions centred on the transparency and fairness of investigative and judicial procedures, the development of dialogue with international organisations, and improving the effectiveness of human rights training programmes for law enforcement and judicial officials. As a result, further areas for cooperation were identified, taking into account the proposals and experience of international bodies.
A new UN Resident Coordinator has been appointed in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Xiaojun Grace Wang as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. She took up her post on 1 July, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Xiaojun Grace Wang has 28 years’ experience in the field of international development. She has held senior positions, specialising in sustainable development, multilateral cooperation and resource mobilisation for global initiatives. Prior to her appointment, she headed a trust fund at the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, where she was responsible for programmes supporting sustainable development. She has also worked for research organisations, foundations and media organisations in countries across Asia and Europe. Her experience is expected to help strengthen cooperation between the UN and Turkmenistan in the field of sustainable development.
China has opened a new rail freight route to Turkmenistan
03.07.2026China has opened a new direct rail freight route from Xining (Qinghai Province) to the Balkan velayat in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The first train, carrying 55 containers loaded with electrical goods, car parts, clothing and everyday consumer goods, has already set off. The route passes through the Khorgos border crossing and across Kazakhstan, with delivery taking around 14–15 days. The new line will provide a direct rail link between Qinghai Province and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade ties with Central Asia.
Ashgabat hosts seminar for media representatives
02.07.2026A seminar was held at the UN building in Ashgabat for media representatives, content creators and staff of government press services, focusing on the coverage of disability issues in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. Ksenia Siminchuk from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Moldova served as an expert at the seminar. She shared her experience of applying a human rights-based approach and emphasised the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us’, which provides for the participation of people with disabilities in the development of decisions affecting their interests. Participants discussed the importance of appropriate terminology in the media, issues of inclusive communication, the information needs of people with disabilities, and communication ethics. A UNICEF publication was also presented: a guide to communication in the field of mental health and a glossary of professional terminology for journalists and content creators. The practical part included an online ‘Living Book’ session, during which Viktor Izbash, project coordinator for inclusive education, and activist Diana Jalbă spoke about the media’s influence on perceptions of people with disabilities. The organisers noted that the use of inclusive communication principles and professional terminology helps foster a respectful attitude towards people with disabilities.
Turkmenistan is represented at the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris
02.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, is taking part in the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, organised by the French association ‘Together Against the Death Penalty’ with the support of the French Government, the EU, the Council of Europe and international partners. The event is taking place from 30 June to 2 July in Paris, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The delegation also includes Hallygul Tuvakova, a representative of the Turkmen Institute of State, Law and Democracy, and M. Charyev, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to France. The forum’s programme includes opening and closing ceremonies, plenary sessions, round-table discussions, working meetings, bilateral negotiations and the presentation of international awards. At the opening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the heads of delegations and specifically thanked the representatives of Turkmenistan for their participation. During the plenary sessions, Turkmenistan’s consistent policy on the protection of the right to life was noted. It was emphasised that the country had completely abolished the death penalty on 28 December 1999, following the introduction of a moratorium in January of that year, becoming the first country in Central Asia to take such a decision.
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