News
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE PA conference
13.10.2026From 7 to 9 October, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan participated in a parliamentary conference of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Andorra la Vella, dedicated to the theme «New Challenges, Shared Responses: Strengthening Cooperation in the Region of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe». This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. At the opening, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons, OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioglu and Chairman of Andorra's General Council Carles Ensenyat Reig delivered speeches. The program included a plenary session and thematic sections on confidence-building, energy security and the protection of vulnerable groups in the digital age. The participants discussed the role of multilateral diplomacy in maintaining peace and stability, strengthening democracy, protecting human rights and enhancing the effectiveness of OSCE election observation missions. The importance of joint diplomatic efforts and open dialogue in addressing contemporary challenges was also highlighted.
Turkmenistan combines international dialogue with measures to support women
12.10.2026International cooperation in the field of gender equality, the protection of women's rights and their empowerment remains one of the areas of the global sustainable development agenda. As part of its cooperation with the United Nations and other international partners, Turkmenistan holds events dedicated to issues of peace, social stability and women's participation in public life. One such platform was the National Tourist Zone «Avaza», where on 7 October 2026 the International Dialogue of Women «The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development» took place. Representatives of the parliaments and government bodies of Turkmenistan and foreign countries, public organizations, specialized UN agencies and other international institutions took part in the event. Participants discussed the protection of women's rights, their participation in decision-making, the development of international cooperation and their contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Opening the forum, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova noted that the representative composition of the delegations demonstrates the considerable interest of the international community in the role of women in modern society and the state. D. Gulmanova emphasized that one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy remains comprehensive support for women's participation in state and public affairs, as well as in the development of international relations. According to the speaker, the dialogue is intended to facilitate the exchange of views and the development of concrete proposals to advance international initiatives. Valentina Matvienko, Head of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and Head of the Federation Council of Russia in her speech noted the importance of creating conditions for women's self-realization and their participation in all spheres of life of the state and society. UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang drew attention to the connection between the international legal initiatives of Turkmenistan and the UN agenda «Women, Peace and Security», emphasizing the key role of women in international law. In her remarks, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan — Chairwoman of the Committee on Family and Women Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova emphasized that women's participation in matters of peace and security should be supported by concrete mechanisms, including access to quality education. D.Kattakhanova proposed establishing an Interstate Working Commission, holding the next Women's Dialogue in Uzbekistan, organizing a joint business forum for women entrepreneurs of the two countries in 2027, as well as developing digital and environmental projects with women's participation. During the thematic sessions, participants discussed expanding women's economic opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, access to modern knowledge, the development of digital and innovative sectors, as well as maternal and child health protection. Representatives of international organizations highlighted the importance of women's inclusive participation in the economy and public life, as well as international legal mechanisms for protecting their rights. The Final Document was adopted at the conclusion of the forum. Discussion of these issues showed that promoting gender equality requires a comprehensive approach. International initiatives complement national measures aimed at ensuring equal rights, expanding professional opportunities for women and their participation in public life. In Turkmenistan, this work is also carried out within the framework of state programs and regulatory documents. One of the key documents in this area has become the National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030. It provides for measures aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in various areas of public life. The document covers the socio-economic, socio-political, and cultural and humanitarian spheres. Its implementation envisages further work to expand opportunities for women, strengthen their participation in social processes, and develop mechanisms for ensuring gender equality. Turkmenistan is a party to the main international agreements in this area, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Cooperation with UN structures, including «UN Women» and the United Nations Population Fund, is aimed at implementing relevant programs. During the International Women's Dialogue, particular attention was paid to women's economic independence and support for their entrepreneurial initiatives. The Uzbek side's proposals to hold a joint business forum for women entrepreneurs and establish a support center for digital projects reflect the desire to develop practical cooperation in these areas. Women's participation in the economy is important both for individual families and for the development of society as a whole. The opportunity to acquire professional skills, work and develop their own initiatives helps expand their economic independence. Equally important is women's representation in public and political life. Their participation in the activities of government bodies, public organizations and professional associations makes it possible to take different social needs into account when discussing and addressing issues of public importance. In the context of sustainable development, the participants in the dialogue also emphasized the importance of involving women in digital and innovative industries, scientific and environmental projects. Expanding access to modern knowledge and technologies opens up additional opportunities for professional development and women's participation in addressing pressing challenges. A separate area of Turkmenistan's state policy is related to supporting women, motherhood and childhood. It includes social protection measures aimed at family well-being and creating conditions for the upbringing and development of children. Family support is considered in connection with healthcare, education and social stability. Of particular importance are access to medical care, the protection of motherhood and childhood, as well as ensuring the necessary conditions for the development of the younger generation. These issues were also included on the agenda of the International Women's Dialogue. Participants in the thematic sessions highlighted the importance of protecting maternal and child health, safeguarding children's rights and creating a favourable environment for raising the younger generation. The speeches emphasised the link between social support for families, the well-being of society and sustainable development. The International Women's Dialogue in Avaza brought together issues of women's participation in peacebuilding with the broader sustainable development agenda. The participants' speeches showed that advancing gender equality requires not only legal guarantees, but also concrete measures in education, employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare and public participation. Regional cooperation is of particular importance. Proposals to establish an Interstate Working Commission and hold follow-up meetings open up opportunities for further exchange of experience between countries. Cooperation with international organizations, in turn, contributes to discussions on common approaches to protecting women's rights and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For Turkmenistan, further work in this area is linked to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2026–2030, the improvement of mechanisms for supporting women, and the expansion of opportunities for their participation in economic, public and cultural life. Thus, the International Women's Dialogue in Avaza became a platform for discussing both national priorities and the common challenges facing the international community. The initiatives put forward and the adopted Final Document are aimed at continuing cooperation, strengthening legal guarantees and expanding opportunities for women in the interests of peace and sustainable development.
A roundtable on the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ETF was held in Ashgabat
12.10.2026On October 12, a high-level roundtable entitled “Turkmenistan – European Training Foundation: Human Capital as the Foundation of Connectivity” was held at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction. The event was organized by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the European Training Foundation (ETF), with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Delegation of the European Union, reports the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by ETF Director Pilvi Torsti, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan Luc Devigne, representatives of government agencies, rectors of higher education institutions and experts from international organizations. Participants discussed issues of modernizing vocational and higher education, digitalization of the educational process and training specialists in line with labor market needs. Particular attention was paid to developing competencies in transport, logistics, energy and digital communications within the framework of the EU Global Gateway strategy. During the discussions, the parties also addressed issues of mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications, as well as expanding the participation of Turkmen students and teachers in the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. A separate topic was the prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union for 2028–2034. The parties discussed the preparation of a joint action programme between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and the ETF, as well as the possibility of establishing a working group to coordinate and implement joint initiatives.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a telephone conversation with the President of Uzbekistan
12.10.2026On October 12, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The parties expressed satisfaction with the development of cooperation between the two countries. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his personal contribution to strengthening Turkmen-Uzbek relations. Cooperation between the two states is developing in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, humanitarian and other spheres. The basis of their interaction is dialogue at the highest state level. Agreements reached at meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as during contacts between delegations of the two countries, contribute to the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Ashgabat and Islamabad discuss new opportunities for air transportation
12.10.2026Turkmenistan and Pakistan are considering the possibility of resuming cargo and commercial air services between Ashgabat and Islamabad. Direct air links are intended to promote the development of trade and business ties between the two countries. This was reported by Orient. Director of the General Directorate of Trade Organizations of Pakistan Sabz Ali Khan noted that the launch of direct flights will allow Pakistani exporters to assess demand in the Turkmen market and expand the range of products supplied. According to official data, trade turnover between the countries in the 2025–2026 financial year amounted to approximately 7.05 million US dollars. Interest in alternative transport routes is driven by delays on traditional land routes through Afghanistan. Air freight can be used to deliver urgent and high-value cargo, while road and rail transport will remain in demand for transporting large consignments of goods. The development of multimodal logistics will make it possible to combine air, land and sea routes, expanding transport links between Central Asian countries and the ports of the Arabian Sea.
Turkmenistan has joined the agreements on the development of the CASCA+ route
12.10.2026The railway administrations of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey signed a six-party protocol in Tashkent on the development of the international multimodal CASCA+ route, connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Turkey. This was reported by Orient. The parties agreed to reduce cargo delivery times, eliminate delays in transferring cargo between different modes of transport and reduce container dwell times at Caspian and Black Sea ports. Plans also include ensuring an uninterrupted supply of container flatcars and revising tariffs for transporting agricultural products and perishable goods in refrigerated containers. For Turkmenistan, the CASCA+ route is important for developing its transit potential. The Port of Turkmenbashi and the country's railway network provide transport links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey and European markets.
CNPC is developing gas projects in Lebap velayat
12.10.2026Cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the fuel and energy sector is developing within the framework of joint projects being implemented in the «Bagtyyarlyk» Contract Area in Lebap velayat. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) continues to develop deposits on the right bank of the Amu Darya, reports the AsmanNews. In the western part of Block “B”, development of six fields has been completed — Kishtuvan, Gunbatar Kishtuvan, Gadyn, Demirgazyk Gadyn, Gundogar Iljik and Iljik. The total investment in the project amounted to 280 million US dollars. 22 production wells and production infrastructure designed for annual extraction of 1.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas have been built. At the fields, 22 single-well stations, gas gathering stations and a main gas gathering station at the Gadyn field have been established. The equipment installed there makes it possible to pre-treat up to 5.5 million cubic meters of gas per day. The treated gas is transported via pipelines to Gas Processing Plant No. 1, then routed to the booster compressor station and for export. Gas condensate is transported via a separate 87-kilometer pipeline to the stabilization unit for further processing and sale. The project also provides for the construction of fire and gas rescue stations, a water supply station, a residential town and social infrastructure facilities. The project has created around 200 jobs. The Production Sharing Agreement for the Bagtyyarlyk Contract Area was signed on July 17, 2007. On December 14, 2009, the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline and the first gas processing plant were commissioned. Over the course of the project, direct investment exceeded US$9 billion. Geological exploration identified 47 gas-bearing structures and confirmed geological natural gas reserves of more than 570 billion cubic meters. Two gas processing plants are currently operating in the area, with a combined capacity of 14.5 billion cubic meters of marketable gas per year. Cumulative production since the start of the project has exceeded 133 billion cubic meters. Particular attention is paid to the training of national personnel. The share of Turkmenistan's citizens among the company's employees exceeds 90%. Local specialists work in engineering, technical and managerial positions. Young citizens of the country are also sent to study at the China University of Petroleum. CNPC also participates in social projects in Lebap velayat, providing support to healthcare, education and sports institutions, as well as financing the construction of drinking water supply systems. Turkmenistan and China continue to develop cooperation in the energy sector. The implementation of joint projects is aimed at increasing natural gas production and strengthening regional energy security.
Turkmenistan and «Nicklaus Companies» discussed prospects for partnership
12.10.2026On October 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with John Reese, head of «Nicklaus Companies», who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in festive events. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the development of golf, sports infrastructure and tourism. John Reese thanked Hero Arkadag for the opportunity to participate in the celebrations and opening ceremonies of modern medical centers in Ashgabat. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that Turkmenistan pays special attention to the development of elite sports, tourism and recreation. Modern sports and tourism infrastructure has been established in the country, including facilities for playing golf. The parties emphasized the opportunities for further cooperation. The golf course in Ashgabat is popular, especially among young people. The construction of modern golf courses is also planned in the city of Arkadag and the National Tourist Zone «Avaza». John Reese confirmed «Nicklaus Companies» interest in participating in projects to build golf courses in Turkmenistan. He noted that the company highly values the opportunity to cooperate with Turkmenistan and the trust placed in it. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hero Arkadag expressed confidence that cooperation with «Nicklaus Companies» would contribute to the development of golf and the popularization of this sport in the country, and also wished John Reese success in his work.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the head of the company «Bouygues»
12.10.2026On October 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Martin Bouygues, head of the Bouygues Group, who arrived in Turkmenistan to attend celebrations marking Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers' Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Martin Bouygues congratulated Hero Arkadag, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen people on the opening of new medical centers. The head of the Bouygues Group also noted the implementation of the company's joint projects in Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag emphasized that over decades of cooperation, the company had established itself as a reliable partner. The completed projects have contributed to Ashgabat's architectural appearance and the development of Turkmen-French relations. The parties noted the prospects for further cooperation. Hero Arkadag stated that Turkmenistan was open to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign companies, emphasizing the potential for joint projects in the industrial, manufacturing and social sectors. Martin Bouygues, in turn, confirmed the company's readiness to continue cooperation and participate in the implementation of large-scale projects. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further development of their mutually beneficial partnership.
Prospects for Turkmen-Korean cooperation discussed in Ashgabat
12.10.2026On October 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Kim Jin-pyo, Chairman of the Institute for Global Innovation Research of the Republic of Korea, who arrived in Ashgabat to attend celebrations marking Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers' Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Kim Jin-pyo expressed his gratitude for the invitation and congratulated Turkmenistan on the holiday. He also noted the country's achievements and its sustainable development. Hero Arkadag emphasized that Turkmen-Korean relations have acquired a stable and long-term character, and highlighted the importance of realizing the potential of bilateral cooperation. The parties discussed cooperation in industry, manufacturing and healthcare. Korean companies are involved in the construction of industrial complexes in Turkmenistan and the equipping of medical institutions. Kim Jin-pyo noted the significance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's recent visit to the Republic of Korea, during which decisions aimed at further developing bilateral relations were adopted. Hero Arkadag stated that proposals from Korean partners regarding the equipping of production complexes, including those under construction in the city of Arkadag, and the implementation of joint projects would be studied. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation. Hero Arkadag wished Kim Jin-pyo success in his work.
A meeting between Hero Arkadag and Oleg Kononenko took place in Ashgabat
12.10.2026On October 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Hero of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Yu.A. Gagarin Research and Testing Center for Cosmonaut Training”, and Commander of the Cosmonaut Corps Oleg Kononenko. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Oleg Kononenko arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in celebrations marking Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day. He expressed his gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome, noting that he was proud of the achievements of his historical homeland. The parties discussed space exploration, the application of space technologies in the economy and science, as well as engaging Turkmen youth in the study of space-related disciplines and advanced engineering specialties. It was noted that the launch of the first national artificial satellite opens up new opportunities for international cooperation in the space sector. Oleg Kononenko expressed his readiness to help foster Turkmenistan’s youth interest in space and implement relevant initiatives. He emphasized that he considered it a great honor to contribute to the development of this field in his historical homeland. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties noted the prospects for Turkmenistan’s participation in space exploration and exchanged best wishes.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed the development of cooperation in medicine
12.10.2026On October 10, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with representatives of medical centers in Germany who had arrived in Turkmenistan for celebrations marking Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers' Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The participants discussed many years of cooperation in various fields of medicine, the current state of bilateral ties and prospects for their development. Hero-Arkadag noted Turkmenistan's achievements in healthcare and emphasized the importance of cooperation with German specialists for exchanging experience and introducing advances in medical science. The representatives of Germany noted the strengthening of the material and technical base of medical institutions in Turkmenistan and their level of equipment, which meets international standards. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasized the importance of improving the healthcare system, developing medical science, training qualified personnel, introducing advanced technologies and expanding international cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted the role of German doctors in developing bilateral ties. The German specialists expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to discuss key areas of cooperation and confirmed their readiness to further develop interaction with their Turkmen colleagues. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hero-Arkadag thanked the guests for participating in the festive events and wished them success in their professional activities.
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