Society
The Lebap velayat has increased the volume of passenger and freight transport
28.07.2026In the Lebap velayat, passenger traffic across all modes of transport reached 2,952.5 million passenger-kilometres in the first half of this year, significantly exceeding the figures for the same period last year. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. This growth is linked to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure: the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, the opening of international airports in Turkmenabat and Kerki, and the commissioning of a new section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. The modernisation of the ‘Lebapawtoulag’ fleet and the launch of a modern coach station in Turkmenabat have expanded bus routes and enabled the introduction of digital taxi services. The volume of freight transport also increased, reaching 3,991.1 million tonne-kilometres, exceeding last year’s figure by 72.5 million tonne-kilometres.
A Turkmen-Uzbek business forum has kicked off in the capital of Turkmenistan
28.07.2026The opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum took place on 27 July in the conference hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcome address to the participants. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, also took part in the opening ceremony. The forum will feature a thematic session dedicated to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the construction and industrial sectors. During the discussions, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in the production of building materials and industrial equipment, will deliver presentations. Following the conclusion of the plenary and sector-specific parts of the programme, participants will hold bilateral negotiations. Meetings are scheduled between representatives of the two countries’ government bodies, as well as negotiations between representatives of the private sector from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CIS will take stock of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship for the first half of the year
28.07.2026On 28 July, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS Member States will take place in Minsk. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the key topics of the meeting will be a review of the results of implementing the Concept for Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and the corresponding Action Plan for the first half of the year. In addition, participants will discuss preparations for the meetings of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which are to be held on 7 and 9 October in Turkmenistan, as well as issues of cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalisation, information and communication technologies, and healthcare.
A proposal will be made to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue within the framework of the UN
27.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, chaired a Cabinet meeting via video link, during which current issues of state affairs were discussed. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the forthcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the key initiatives is the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue. This new multilateral platform is designed to promote climate initiatives and foster institutional international partnerships. Turkmenistan also intends to propose an initiative to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. Environmental security, climate change and the rational use of energy resources remain priority areas for Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are to hold a three-day business forum
26.07.2026From 27 to 29 July, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ business forum. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event will feature B2B meetings between representatives of government and commercial organisations from both countries. Participants will discuss the development of cooperation in construction, industrial collaboration and the production of building materials. The forum is expected to serve as a platform for signing new contracts, discussing the supply of raw materials and finished products, and launching joint projects.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
26.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held from 19 to 29 July in Busan (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The country is represented by Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, and Begench Durdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea. During the session, participants are discussing issues relating to the conservation of World Heritage sites, reviewing nominations for the inclusion of new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and considering measures to protect sites already inscribed on the List.
New, modern railway stations are to be built in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev reported on measures to modernise the railway sector. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the country’s socio-economic development, there are plans to construct modern railway station buildings in the velayats, which will improve the sector’s operational efficiency and enhance working conditions for staff. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, approved the proposals to build new railway stations in the Ahal, Balkan and Mary velayats and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the project’s implementation.
Turkmenistan presented its human capital development strategy in Ankara
25.07.2026Turkmenistan presented its approach to human capital development at a UNDP regional seminar held on 22–24 July in Ankara. The main emphasis was placed on the role of education and skills development as key factors in economic transformation, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The country has expanded access to higher education, updated educational standards and introduced a digital system for evaluating higher education institutions. In collaboration with the UNDP, a strategic human capital planning system is also being developed, which will enable the quality of education, demographic trends and the training of specialists to be aligned with the needs of the labour market. In addition, a demographic and economic model and software for scenario-based forecasting were presented, which help to assess the impact of decisions in the fields of education, employment and skills development on the economy. According to the Turkmen side, this approach will enable human potential to be utilised more effectively to boost productivity, foster innovation and ensure sustainable economic growth.
A meeting was held in Ashgabat to discuss the monitoring of SDG indicators in the healthcare sector
25.07.2026In Ashgabat, representatives of the relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan held a working meeting with experts from the WHO, UNICEF and UN agencies. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The parties discussed improving statistical reporting methodologies as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event, organised with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, is taking place as part of the preparations for Turkmenistan’s third Voluntary National Review. The participants examined issues relating to the harmonisation of national and international approaches to measuring SDG 3 indicators, paying particular attention to the quality, comparability and completeness of health data. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further technical cooperation.
‘Green’ technologies and digitalisation: Turkmenistan prepares for an investment forum
25.07.2026The Turkmenistan Investment Forum is to be held in Ashgabat this October. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov reported on the progress of preparations for this event at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on 24 July. According to the news agency TDH, the forum and accompanying events are set to address issues relating to the country’s economic development, enhancing Turkmenistan’s investment appeal, as well as the prospects for the fuel and energy and industrial sectors, and the development of transport and communications systems. Key topics on the agenda include the digital and ‘green’ transformation of the economy, the introduction of digital financial technologies, the development of agribusiness, the sustainability of agriculture in the face of climate change, and environmental protection. In addition, forum participants will consider issues relating to the expansion of trade and the services sector, the development of public-private partnerships, cooperation with international financial institutions, and the further diversification of the economy. Following the report, a corresponding proposal was submitted to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan for consideration. The Head of State emphasised the importance of efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen international cooperation in this area, approved the holding of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in October, and instructed that preparatory work should continue.
Schoolchildren from Turkmenistan took part in an international camp in Shanghai
25.07.2026From 12 to 22 July, school pupils from the Turkmenistan delegation took part in the 20th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp, held in Shanghai (People’s Republic of China). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. A total of 107 school pupils from 17 countries took part in the event. The camp programme was aimed at promoting cultural exchange, strengthening friendly ties and fostering mutual understanding among young people from different countries. As part of the ‘Mini-Expo’ cultural exhibition, representatives from Turkmenistan presented a national stand featuring exhibits reflecting the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Participants at the event were introduced to examples of national dress, Turkmen carpets, traditions and other elements of the nation’s material and spiritual heritage. During the ten-day programme, the school pupils visited Shanghai’s sights, took part in sessions on traditional Chinese medicine and attended masterclasses on making silk fans in the city of Suzhou. The Turkmen delegation’s participation in the international camp helped to expand educational and cultural ties, as well as to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China in the field of youth policy.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the prospects for partnership in the field of migration
25.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of migration, visa policy and the protection of citizens’ rights abroad. The Turkmen side proposed establishing working-level cooperation between the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, DG HOME and the relevant authorities of EU countries to facilitate the prompt exchange of information. In addition, the negotiation covered EU mechanisms for issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas, as well as Turkmenistan’s consultations with the Benelux countries regarding the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Issues relating to participation in European programmes to combat human trafficking, within the framework of the National Action Plan of Turkmenistan for 2025–2029, were also raised. Furthermore, the parties discussed the prospects for drafting an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Turkmenistan and the EU. The European Commission representative confirmed DG HOME’s readiness to provide expert advice and exchange information with the Turkmen side.
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