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Ashgabat and Ankara are expanding their cooperation within the framework of UNESCO
30.07.2026As part of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, a meeting took place between Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, and Mustafa Yurdakul, Permanent Delegate of Turkey to UNESCO. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side congratulated the diplomat on his election as Chair of the 49th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is to be held in Istanbul in 2027, and wished him every success in his work. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of preserving cultural and natural heritage, and reaffirmed their readiness for further collaboration within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Turkmenistan also noted its commitment to developing cooperation with the organisation in areas of mutual interest.
Turkmen manufacturers have been invited to London to take part in international trade fairs
30.07.2026The international food industry trade fairs ‘IFE 2027’ and ‘IFE Manufacturing 2027’ will take place in London from 5 to 7 April 2027. The British Embassy in Ashgabat is inviting Turkmen manufacturers and exporters to take part in the events, according to the news agency Orient. The IFE exhibition will bring together more than 25,000 specialists and buyers from 105 countries, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ products to international partners. The creation of a national pavilion for Turkmenistan is also being considered. ‘IFE Manufacturing 2027’ will focus on production technologies, processing, packaging and quality standards. Participation in the exhibitions will enable enterprises to exchange experiences, modernise production and expand their export opportunities.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
30.07.2026On 28 July, political consultations took place in Ankara between representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkey. The parties discussed the state of and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, including political cooperation, inter-parliamentary ties, consular matters and the strengthening of the legal and treaty framework, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants noted the importance of regular high-level contacts and emphasised the role of reciprocal visits in strengthening the partnership between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of the economy, energy, transport and construction, as well as collaboration within international organisations. The parties also expressed an interest in expanding ties in the fields of culture, education, science, sport and healthcare. As part of the visit, the Turkmen delegation held a meeting with the Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkey, Ayshe Berris Ekinci, during which the parties reaffirmed their intention to continue developing mutually beneficial cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discussed the development of railway cooperation
29.07.2026A meeting took place at the Ministry of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister, Sylap Nurberdiyev, and a delegation from the state-owned enterprise ‘Tajik Railways’, led by Deputy Chairman Karimzoda Rajabmurod. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ways of expanding cooperation, including increasing freight volumes and improving tariff policy. Particular attention was paid to strengthening transport and logistics links between the two countries.
The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post has been modernised
29.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the modernisation of the ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post, situated on one of the key sections of the international transport corridors on the Turkmen-Iranian border, has been completed. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. During the works, buildings and facilities were renovated, and conditions were created to increase the post’s throughput capacity. A digital management system has also been introduced, ensuring the monitoring and recording of the movement of vehicles and goods, as well as speeding up customs procedures. The ‘Sarahs Awtoýollary’ customs post is situated at the junction of several international transport corridors and plays an important role in the transit of goods and vehicles. The modernisation was carried out as part of a programme for the phased upgrading of Turkmenistan’s border crossings, aimed at developing the country’s transit potential. Previously, following comprehensive reconstruction, the ‘Garabogaz’ and ‘Artyk’ customs posts were put into operation.
Turkmenistan has updated its requirements for temporary storage facilities
29.07.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has amended the requirements regarding the equipment and location of temporary storage warehouses. The relevant order has been registered by the Ministry of Justice. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The amendments are aimed at modernising warehouse infrastructure and strengthening customs controls. Under the new requirements, open-type warehouses must be equipped with fully functional X-ray and television systems for inspecting goods. New requirements are also being introduced for automated accounting systems, their integration with the customs authorities’ information systems, and the provision of remote access for customs officers. Warehouses must provide a dedicated communication channel for the exchange of electronic data. In addition, the requirements for video surveillance have been updated: systems must monitor the premises, the storage and dispatch of goods, ensure that recordings are retained for at least 60 days, and be linked to the State Customs Service’s video surveillance system. The order was signed by Mammetguly Hudaygulyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. Responsibility for overseeing its implementation has been entrusted to Durdymyrat Bayryev, Deputy Chairman of the Service.
‘Pipe Metal’ has announced its readiness to expand its supplies of metal products to Turkmenistan
29.07.2026The Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat served as a platform for discussing the prospects for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants discussed the introduction of new technologies, the exchange of expertise and opportunities for the joint production of building materials and equipment. Alisher Abdurahmanov, a representative of the Uzbek LLC ‘Pipe Metal’, highlighted the high potential for cooperation with Turkmenistan. According to him, the company, established in 2022, has already reached a production volume of up to 20,000 tonnes of finished products per month. The company manufactures electric-welded and shaped pipes, rolled metal products and hot-rolled sheets that comply with state standards. ‘Pipe Metal’ is already working with partners in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and the first shipment of products to Turkmenistan marked the start of a new venture. Abdurahmanov emphasised that the development of Turkmenistan’s construction sector is creating high demand for high-quality materials, whilst the geographical proximity of the two countries helps to reduce logistics costs. The representative of the Uzbek company expressed a willingness to expand supplies and develop a long-term partnership, noting that strengthening trade ties would contribute to the development of both countries’ economies.
Turkmenistan is preparing a nomination for the inclusion of Koytendag on the UNESCO World Heritage List
29.07.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted an international meeting on the preparation of a nomination dossier for the inclusion of the transboundary natural site ‘Karst, Canyons and Caves of Koytendag’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the online publication Arzuw News. Experts from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, the USA and Slovakia discussed the findings of the spring 2026 expeditions to the Koytendag and Surkhan nature reserves. Particular attention was paid to the dinosaur footprints in Koytendag, noting their unique state of preservation and scientific value. The site was included on the UNESCO Tentative List in September 2025. The next step will be to submit a request for a preliminary assessment, following which, subject to a positive recommendation from the IUCN, a final nomination dossier will be prepared.
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended a meeting of the WTO Working Group in Geneva
28.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part as an observer in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, which took place on 27–28 July at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The delegation comprised representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. During the meeting, the Turkmen experts familiarised themselves with the mechanisms of the WTO accession negotiation process, examined issues relating to market access for goods and services, the harmonisation of legislation, and interaction with the organisation’s Secretariat. The experience gained will be used to strengthen Turkmenistan’s negotiating capacity and to prepare for the next stages of its own WTO accession process.
The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatics Centre in Ashgabat has been refurbished
28.07.2026The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ashgabat has reopened following a major refurbishment and now fully complies with international standards. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The complex, which has a capacity of 1,741 spectators, is designed for training and hosting competitions in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. It comprises a 50-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a water park, a children’s pool, sports halls and gyms, as well as supporting facilities. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and underwater video recording systems for hosting competitions.
Ashgabat showcased its achievements at an international forum in Samarkand
28.07.2026On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects. The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development. Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.
The city of Arkadag is developing a concept for a smart and eco-friendly city
28.07.2026The city of Arkadag is developing as Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart’ and eco-friendly city, combining modern technology, national traditions and a comfortable urban environment. This is reported by AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’. The names of the city’s streets, avenues and institutions are linked to the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place in the city’s identity. One of the main avenues is named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, whilst the city’s landmarks include the ‘Taýçanak’ monument and a sculpture of the horse ‘Akhan’, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is home to the ‘Arkadag’ television channel and newspaper, whilst the local football club has achieved sporting success in a short space of time. The city is being developed in accordance with the principles of ‘smart’ infrastructure and sustainable development. Electric buses and electric cars operate on the routes, ‘smart’ bus stops have been installed, and park areas, public gardens and fountain complexes have been created. A healthcare cluster has been established in Arkadag, comprising a multi-specialist hospital, a Centre for Maternal and Child Health, a children’s health and rehabilitation centre, an emergency medical services centre and health centres. The city is also home to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Arkadag’s development is continuing under the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’. As part of the second phase of construction, new residential complexes, social facilities and industrial enterprises are scheduled to be commissioned by 2027. Particular attention is being paid to creating opportunities for young people: the city has modern schools and nurseries, and new jobs are being created for young professionals.
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