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A book by the President of Turkmenistan was presented in Bucharest
08.01.2026On 7 January, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, a presentation of the book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust,’ was held. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants emphasised that the publication is dedicated to the history and contemporary significance of the policy of permanent neutrality, its legal and political foundations, as well as Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional and global stability. The event featured an exhibition of books by Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reflecting the country's achievements during the years of independence. Turkmen students and representatives of the diaspora in Romania took part in the presentation. The organisers noted that the meeting contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the strengthening of ties with compatriots abroad.
Ashgabat to host international exhibitions in the field of agriculture and food industry
08.01.2026The international exhibitions ‘AGRO PACK TURKMENISTAN 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’ will be held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 May 2026. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The exhibitions will feature equipment and technologies for food and beverage production, packaging solutions, food ingredients, as well as developments for the baking and hospitality industries. A separate section will be dedicated to the agro-industrial sector: technologies for greenhouse farming, horticulture and forestry, grain storage systems, milling equipment, and solutions for poultry and livestock farming. Participants will also showcase agricultural products, seeds, fertilisers, plant protection products and irrigation systems. As noted, 75 companies from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey and Turkmenistan took part in the 2024 exhibitions. In 2026, the geography and scale of the event is expected to expand, with more than 120 companies confirming their participation.
The ‘Dokma’ online platform brings together products from national textile brands
08.01.2026The ‘Dokma’ trading platform offers a range of textile products from Turkmen manufacturers. The online catalogue includes clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear and accessories, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The catalogue features products from the ‘Bedew’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Goza’, ‘Gala’, ‘Mäne’, ‘Jeýtun’, ‘Bürgüt’ and ‘Ýeňiş’ brands, as well as products from the country's largest enterprises under the ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand. The website is adapted for use on various devices. The navigation allows you to quickly find products and place orders online. Each item is accompanied by photos, including a zoom function, and a description indicating the materials, sizes and characteristics. The range also includes bedding, towels and bathrobes. The information in the catalogue is regularly updated. Placing an order takes a few minutes. Delivery in Ashgabat is free of charge, and goods can be shipped to all velayats of the country. The development of the ‘Dokma’ platform is aimed at expanding online sales of domestic textile products and reflects the transition of enterprises in the industry to digital formats of trade.
The symbolism of the 2026 motto: the role of Ahal-Teke horses
08.01.2026The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has approved the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The decision coincides with the start of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The symbolism of the motto is linked to national values and objectives defined by state programmes. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse traditionally occupies a special place in the culture of Turkmenistan and is considered an element of historical heritage and national identity. The country pays attention to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the training of specialists in this field and the expansion of international cooperation in this area. The activities of the International Association of Breeding of Ahal-Teke Horses, headquartered in Ashgabat, are aimed at preserving the breed's gene pool and implementing scientific projects with foreign partners. An important milestone was the inclusion of the nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made in December 2023 at a session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee. The city of Arkadag is home to the Scientific and Production Laboratory of Horse Breeding and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Their activities are focused on scientific research, educational programmes and the training of a new generation of specialists. The motto for 2026 reflects the priorities of Turkmenistan's internal development and foreign humanitarian policy, combining a reference to historical traditions with the tasks of modern development.
Official online resource launched for the Fund to Help Children in Need of Care
08.01.2026The official website of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has been launched. The online resource was launched to increase the transparency of the Foundation's activities and expand access to information about its humanitarian initiatives, according to IIC. The official website contains information about the Fund's mission and priorities, ongoing programmes, charitable events and achievements. Users can access news, reports and information about current initiatives. The resource is available in Turkmen, Russian and English. The launch of the website is seen as an additional tool for interacting with the public, partners and international organisations, as well as a step towards the further development of charitable activities in the field of child protection.
Turkmenistan to increase fertiliser exports through new gas chemical complex
08.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to build up the potential of its oil and gas chemical industry, consistently developing a large industrial centre of regional significance in the Balkan velayat. The next stage of this strategy was the start of construction of a new urea production plant in the Turkmenbashi etrap, according to IIC. The planned capacity of the future plant will be 1.155 million tonnes of urea per year. Leading technology companies from Japan and Turkey are involved in the construction, which will involve the use of modern innovative solutions and compliance with high environmental standards. Completion of construction and commissioning of the plant are scheduled for February 2030. The new facility will continue the success of the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant, which has been operating since 2018 and focuses on the export of high-quality chemical products. The project is of significant socio-economic importance. Its implementation will contribute to an increase in foreign exchange earnings, the creation of hundreds of new jobs, the development of infrastructure and an improvement in the standard of living of the population of Balkan velayat. Particular attention is being paid to the involvement of young people and the training of skilled personnel for the high-tech sector. The construction of the new gas chemical complex reflects the state's policy of industrialisation and the production of high value-added products. It will be another contribution to strengthening the economic sustainability of Turkmenistan and expanding international cooperation, including in the field of global food security.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026
08.01.2026On 7 January, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further implementation of joint measures to develop bilateral cooperation in the new year were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for the sixth meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, political consultations at the level of foreign ministers, and the Turkmen-Pakistani Business Forum. In addition, they discussed the organisation of visits at the highest state level scheduled for the current year. They also reviewed a list of bilateral documents planned for signing in 2026.
Turkmen students win prizes at snow sculpture competition in Harbin
08.01.2026Turkmen students from Harbin Engineering University won prizes at the 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest, which took place in 2026 in Harbin (PRC). The team took second place with their entry, ‘Pride of Turkmenistan,’ representing the country's national culture and artistic traditions on an international level. This was reported by IIC. The sculpture was created by Serdarov Didar, Rejepov Ilmyrat, Jorayev Yusupjan, and Amanov Bagtyyar. The central image of the composition was an Ahal-Teke horse, one of the key symbols of Turkmenistan. Made of snow and ice, the work was distinguished by its expressive plasticity, dynamics and accurate conveyance of the strength and nobility of the legendary horse breed. The achievement was given additional symbolism by the fact that the competition was held in the Year of the Horse, whose motto reflects the ideas of fidelity to traditions, spiritual stability and harmony. It is these qualities, according to the authors' concept, that are embodied by the Ahal-Teke horse, which became the artistic and semantic centre of the sculpture. The Turkmen team's second place was marked with a certificate presented by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Organizing Committee with the support of the National Institute of Industrial Design in China. The award confirmed the high level of professional training and creative approach of the young authors. The performance of Turkmen students in Harbin contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural image abroad, demonstrating the possibilities of a modern artistic interpretation of national heritage on an international stage.
Turkmenistan and the United States discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation
08.01.2026On 7 January, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of topical issues of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties noted the effectiveness of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including annual political consultations and meetings of the ‘Turkmenistan-US’ Business Council. Particular emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of the long-standing activities of American companies in Turkmenistan, as well as the implementation of joint projects and contracts in the fields of electric power, agriculture and transport with the participation of companies such as ‘John Deere’, ‘General Electric’ and ‘Boeing’. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. In this context, the Turkmen side put forward an initiative to establish a ‘Turkmen-American’ cultural dialogue. In addition, an exchange of views was held on the development of cooperation in the field of high technology and in the banking and financial sector.
Donald Trump congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year
08.01.2026The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the letter, Donald Trump congratulated the Head of Turkmenistan on Christmas and New Year. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United States of America were established on 10 April 1992.
A ‘Grassroots’ children's football festival was held in Ashgabat
07.01.2026The ‘Ashgabat’ Stadium hosted the ‘Grassroots’ Children's Football Festival, organised by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Olympic Reserve Children's and Youth School. This was reported by the Orient news agency. About 150 children born in 2014-2015 took part in the event. The programme included game training to develop basic football skills, competitions, relays and exercises at various themed stations. At the end of the festival, all participants received footballs as gifts from the Federation.
Turkmenistan discusses new National Forest Programme until 2030
07.01.2026A round table discussion on the draft National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in conjunction with UNDP and the Aral Project. Scientists, members of the Mejlis and relevant experts took part in the discussion, according to IIC. The project, which is the third stage of the national greening strategy, includes 13 sections and a specific action plan. It places greater emphasis on the restoration of natural forests and, for the first time, provides for state forest management to create a forest cadastre. The programme also provides for public-private partnership mechanisms, measures to combat desertification and adapt to climate change, and the introduction of GIS, satellite monitoring and AI. The prospects for the development of ecotourism, job creation and the country's participation in international carbon credit markets are highlighted separately.
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