News
Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenistan, is training for a flight to the ISS
22.10.2026Oleg Kononenko, head of the Cosmonaut Training Center, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin are training as part of the backup crew for ISS-76. Kononenko has been appointed crew commander, according to Turkmenportal. One of the training stages took place in the Cosmonaut Training Center’s hydro-laboratory. The cosmonauts practiced spacewalk operations: working with the airlock hatch, moving along handrails on the station’s surface, transporting equipment, laying cables, and connecting electrical connectors. Special attention was paid to working with the ERA remote manipulator, designed to move equipment outside the Russian segment of the ISS. The trainees practiced moving along a mock-up of the manipulator, using a portable operator workstation, and responding to potential emergency situations. Oleg Kononenko was born on June 21, 1964, in the city of Chardzhou, now known as Turkmenabat. The future cosmonaut graduated with honors from Secondary School No. 15 in his hometown. In 2009, Kononenko’s achievements were recognized with a state award from Turkmenistan—the “Prezidentiň Ýyldyzy” (“Star of the President”) Order. During his flights to the ISS, the cosmonaut repeatedly addressed the people of Turkmenistan and photographed Ashgabat at night from orbit.
Turkmenistan encourages businesses to prepare for WTO accession
22.10.2026A training seminar on Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and opportunities for the private sector was held at the “Yildiz” Hotel on October 21–22. The event was organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to Turkmenportal. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, domestic companies, and international experts. Participants discussed the progress of negotiations on accession to the WTO, prospects and potential challenges for business, as well as cooperation between the government and entrepreneurs. Ministry representatives noted that preparations for accession to the organization require active participation from the private sector. WTO membership can contribute to the modernization of the trade system, increased competitiveness of local companies, expanded exports, and economic diversification. The ADB delegation was led by Asad Alim, Regional Director for Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Central and West Asia Department. The delegation also included ADB experts Julian Clark and Dorothea Lazaro. International experts participated in the seminar. Ambassador Zhanar Aitjan presented Kazakhstan’s experience with WTO accession. Paolo Vergano and Fabio Artuso, experts in international trade law, discussed key aspects of joining the organization. During the discussions, business representatives raised issues related to entering foreign markets, ensuring product compliance with international standards, and preparing for increased competition. Particular attention was paid to improving the quality of goods and expanding export opportunities for Turkmen enterprises. Ministry representatives emphasized that the entrepreneurs’ proposals are important for defining economic priorities and preparing for future negotiations. Participants also noted the need for ongoing cooperation between government agencies and the business community during Turkmenistan’s accession to the WTO.
“Turkmengaz” plans to build a storage facility and new compressor stations
22.10.2026The state-owned “Turkmengaz” Concern plans to build an underground gas storage facility with an injection capacity of up to 5 billion cubic meters per year. This was announced by the concern’s deputy chairman, Sapar Bekjanov, at the international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan — 2026,” according to Turkmenportal. According to Bekjanov, the storage facility will allow for the creation of additional gas reserves, improve the reliability of gas supply, and enable flexible management of resources in light of seasonal fluctuations in demand. The corporation also plans to build new compressor stations—Shatlyk and Karakumskaya—to replace the existing ones. Among the promising areas for cooperation with international partners, Bekjanov cited the reconstruction and technical retrofitting of compressor stations, the modernization of gas treatment and purification systems, improving the reliability of gas pipelines, and the implementation of digital technologies for equipment diagnostics. The implementation of these projects will create opportunities for engineering and technical cooperation, equipment supply, the provision of specialized services, personnel training, and the implementation of innovative solutions.
BOTAŞ plans to expand long-term gas supplies from Turkmenistan
22.10.2026BOTAŞ, Turkey’s national pipeline company, intends to develop long-term natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan. This was stated by the company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Abdulvahit Fidan, at the international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan — 2026,” according to Turkmenportal. According to Fidan, the start of Turkmen gas supplies to Turkey in 2025 marked an important milestone in bilateral energy cooperation. The next goal is to establish a long-term partnership in this area. The CEO noted that the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Economic Commission took place in Ashgabat in June. The participants reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. Fidan identified the supply of Turkmen gas via the Trans-Caspian route, followed by export to Europe through Turkish territory, as one of Turkey’s strategic goals. The country’s well-developed gas transportation infrastructure and BOTAŞ’s access to various markets create opportunities for implementing such projects. To advance this initiative, technical and commercial terms must be agreed upon among gas producers, transporters, and buyers. BOTAŞ is ready to participate in this effort, drawing on its experience in the supply, transportation, and trade of natural gas. Fidan expressed hope that this cooperation will expand the markets for Turkmen gas and strengthen energy ties between Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Europe.
“Turkmengeology” has received new equipment for prospecting for rare-earth elements
22.10.2026The state-owned corporation “Turkmengeology” has received state-of-the-art drilling rigs for geological exploration aimed at locating rare earth elements. This was announced by the corporation’s chairman, Berdymurat Amanov, at the international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan — 2026,” according to Turkmenportal. The corporation is expanding its geological exploration activities amid growing global demand for rare earth elements. The search for non-ferrous metal deposits in the Gyzylgaya area is also continuing. The new tracked rigs enable directional drilling to depths of up to 1,500 meters and allow for core retrieval without raising the drilling tool. The equipment is designed to explore solid mineral deposits and replenish the country’s mineral resource base. In the oil and gas industry, modern geological exploration methods and the continuous refinement of geological models of deposits play a crucial role. As Berdymurat Amanov noted, 3D seismic surveying provides a three-dimensional image of the geological structure and allows for more accurate identification of promising areas for drilling. Monitoring seismic surveys help track changes in productive formations during field development. To improve the accuracy of these studies, attribute analysis, seismic data inversion, and velocity modeling are also employed. The corporation’s chairman emphasized the importance of correlating seismic data with drilling results and geophysical well log data. This approach makes it possible to refine the structure of deposits, reduce geological risks, and ensure industrial and environmental safety. “Turkmengeology” is ready to cooperate with interested parties in the fields of geology, mineral exploration, and the implementation of innovative technologies.
Ashgabat participated in a dialogue on urban sustainability
22.10.2026Turkmenistan participated in the Second Regional Dialogue on Urban Sustainability, which took place in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from governments, municipalities, and experts from Central Asian countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the forum, the Coalition for Urban Sustainability expanded from five to ten members. Bishkek, Manas, Isfara, Fergana, and Kokand joined the founding cities, including Ashgabat. Participants discussed sharing experiences in urban planning and protecting the population from climate threats and natural disasters. Another outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum between the national seismological institutes of Central Asian countries. The document provides for the exchange of scientific data, coordination of efforts, and joint assessment of seismic activity. The dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Center for Emergency Situations and Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial and technical support from the Government of Japan. These initiatives are aimed at implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Turkmenistan is promoting initiatives in the field of international cooperation
22.10.2026The past week was marked by Turkmenistan’s participation in high-level international events, the promotion of initiatives in the areas of international cooperation and environmental security, as well as the consideration of issues related to the country’s domestic development. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On October 12, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting on agricultural issues. The head of state instructed officials to speed up the cotton harvest, ensure that the harvest is collected without losses, and carry out wheat planting within the established agrotechnical deadlines, utilizing agricultural machinery at full capacity. On the same day, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, held a telephone conversation with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan. The parties discussed the development of political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. The leaders also noted the prospects for implementing the initiatives put forward at the high-level forums in Avaza. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the victory of Uzbekistan’s representative in the “Tatar Kyzy – 2026” international competition. On October 15–16, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Azerbaijan and Armenia to participate in the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku and the Leaders’ Summit within the framework of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan. During his remarks, the head of state presented Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the areas of international law, preventive diplomacy, transport connectivity, artificial intelligence, and environmental security. At the CICA summit, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and the UN Charter amid global geopolitical and geoeconomic changes. During his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted Turkmenistan’s initiatives to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and 2027–2037 the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, and proposed expanding the use of the capabilities of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. The head of state advocated for the development of transport dialogue at the ministerial level within the framework of the SCO, the promotion of the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity, and the establishment of transcontinental routes between Central and South Asia and European markets via the Caspian Sea. On October 16 in Yerevan, the President of Turkmenistan addressed the Leaders’ Summit held as part of COP17. Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined the priorities of Turkmenistan’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation for 2026–2035, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to protect transboundary ecosystems, animal migration routes, and the natural resources of the Caspian and Aral basins. The head of state noted the importance of cooperation with UNESCO in preserving natural heritage and advancing scientific research. He cited the inclusion of Turkmenistan’s natural areas in the transnational World Heritage site “Turan Deserts of the Temperate Zone” as an example of international cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan also emphasized the importance of implementing the Avaza Action Program for 2024–2034 and the Avaza Political Declaration. Following the Summit, the Yerevan Declaration was adopted. On October 17, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan reviewed the preparation of draft laws, seasonal agricultural work, the development of the chemical industry, and the modernization of Altyn Asyr JSC. Preparations for the “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026” conference and exhibition, as well as other upcoming events, were also discussed. In November, Turkmenistan will participate in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where it will showcase its export products and investment opportunities. A Turkmen-Chinese business forum is scheduled to take place as part of the expo. The country’s universities will also host international conferences and competitions on digital and chemical technologies, ecology, medicine, economics, and other fields. Following the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan signed a decree “On Announcing a Competition for the ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Prize of the President of Turkmenistan.” As part of the competition, there will be a televised singing contest for young singers titled “Ýaňlan, Diýarym!”, a contest for bakhshis and dutar players titled “Çalsana, bagşy!”, and a competition for gifted children titled “Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri.”
«Central Asian Gas Ring» will expand routes for Turkmen gas supplies
21.10.2026The “Central Asia Gas Ring” project could open an additional route for Turkmen gas supplies to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and, with the necessary pipeline interconnections in place, to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Existing export commitments would remain unchanged. Valérie Ducro, Executive Director of the Global Gas Centre (GGC) in Geneva, made the statement at the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026,” according to the news website Turkmenportal. Ducro described the project as an example of moving from statements to practical action. She noted that, at the latest Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, the President of Turkmenistan highlighted opportunities for cooperation in developing pipeline infrastructure and electricity supplies. Particular attention was given to strengthening long-term energy ties amid volatility in global markets. According to Ducro, Turkmenistan’s proven natural gas reserves range from 11 trillion to more than 13 trillion cubic metres, placing the country among the world’s top five in terms of gas reserves. Turkmenistan exports more than 30 billion cubic metres of gas to China annually. The Central Asia–China gas pipeline system has an annual capacity of 55 billion cubic metres. A planned additional pipeline line to China would increase capacity by a further 30 billion cubic metres per year. Ducro also highlighted growing gas demand in countries south and east of Turkmenistan. India plans to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix from approximately 6% to 15% by 2030, while Pakistan has a population of around 240 million. Among the key priorities, Ducro identified the development of interconnections between gas networks, the creation of favourable conditions for investment and the diversification of export routes. She also stressed the need to reduce methane emissions throughout the gas supply chain. The Global Gas Centre is ready to provide a neutral platform for dialogue among market participants.
Maksat Babayev spoke about the development of Turkmenistan's gas industry
21.10.2026State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengas Maksat Babayev spoke about the development of the gas industry and the implementation of international projects at the plenary session of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan — OGT 2026” on October 21. This was reported by the Turkmenportal news website. The development of the Galkynysh field remains a key priority. According to Gaffney, Cline & Associates, the field’s reserves, together with those of the Garaköl and Yashlar structures, amount to 27.4 trillion cubic metres of natural gas. The fourth phase of development includes drilling wells and constructing a gas treatment plant with an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic metres. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is the project partner. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs. China remains the largest importer of Turkmen natural gas. Since December 2009, more than 477 billion cubic metres of gas have been delivered through the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline. Construction of the Afghan section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, running from Serhetabat to Herat, is ongoing. Gas supplies through this section are scheduled to begin in 2027. In August, Turkmengas and the Afghan state-owned company Afghan Gas signed a memorandum of cooperation covering, among other areas, gas supplies to Herat Province. Maksat Babayev emphasised that Turkmenistan is diversifying its export routes and expanding cooperation with international partners. Turkmengas’s priorities include introducing digital technologies, reducing methane emissions, training national specialists and transferring technological expertise.
Malaysia is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sector
21.10.2026Malaysia’s Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the country is ready to expand long-term cooperation with Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sector. He made the remarks on October 21 at the opening plenary session of the Turkmenistan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (OGT 2026) in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The Malaysian minister noted that cooperation between the two countries has continued for more than 30 years. PETRONAS, which has been operating in Turkmenistan since 1996, has contributed to the development of hydrocarbon resources, infrastructure and professional training. In June 2026, a Malaysian delegation visited Turkmenistan to mark the 30th anniversary of PETRONAS’s operations in the country. Following talks between the Malaysian Prime Minister and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on the oil and gas industry. During the visit, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, signed a framework agreement on long-term cooperation in the development of Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon resources. Malaysia is represented at OGT 2026 by more than 15 companies specialising in oil and gas services and equipment. Seven of them are exhibiting in the national pavilion organised with the support of the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC). The minister invited Turkmen companies, government agencies and investors to visit the pavilion and explore its exhibits. Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasised that the development of new fields requires advanced engineering solutions, project management, offshore operations and specialised technical services. Malaysian companies are ready to share their expertise in the design and construction of facilities, equipment maintenance, drilling, digitalisation, industrial safety, workforce training and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. The minister also highlighted the importance of creating jobs for Turkmenistan’s citizens, engaging local suppliers, transferring technology and developing national expertise. According to the minister, Malaysia is ready to support these efforts through investment, professional training and the development of local supply chains. The opening ceremony of OGT 2026 was also attended by Maksat Babayev, State Minister and Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengas, along with other officials. The exhibition and conference are being held in Ashgabat under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister attends SCO Council of heads of government meeting
21.10.2026Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov took part in the expanded meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in Dushanbe on October 20, 2026. Turkmenistan attended the meeting as an invited state, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported. Participants discussed regional cooperation and prospects for collaboration in trade, the economy, transport and logistics, and energy. Particular attention was paid to developing economic ties, strengthening transport connectivity, and implementing joint initiatives.
The book by the head of Turkmenistan on neutrality was presented in the Azerbaijani language
21.10.2026The Azerbaijani translation of the book Turkmenistan’s Neutrality – A Bright Path to Peace and Trust by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was presented at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, as well as the institute’s faculty and students. Thıs was reported by the International Information Center of Turkmenistan. The book explores the historical origins and legal foundations of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as the country’s foreign policy and diplomacy. The publication marks the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. The presentation coincided with the international art exhibition Mother Nature, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. The book was previously published in Turkmen, Russian and English. Work is ongoing to translate it into other languages.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
