On 10 August, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the high level of bilateral relations and warmly recalled recent visits, emphasising the significance of the agreements reached. During the conversation, the importance of the agreements reached and the documents signed during the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to the United States of America was noted. Ilham Aliyev congratulated Hero Arkadag on the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The role of the trilateral meeting between Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, prospects for the development of transport and communication corridors, as well as issues related to the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Heads of Central Asian countries to be held in Tashkent were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Azerbaijan to visit Turkmenistan. At the end of the conversation, the parties exchanged best wishes. The conversation took place at the initiative of Azerbaijan.
The British Embassy in Ashgabat has begun accepting applications for the Chevening Scholarship Programme. The programme, funded by the British government, covers tuition, accommodation and travel expenses, and provides access to exclusive events and internships. This was reported by the IIC. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis. The main requirements include a higher education diploma, at least two years of professional experience and language proficiency. Applications will be accepted until 12:00 (UTC) on 7 October 2025 via the programme's official website. The Chevening Scholarship allows you to obtain a master's degree at one of the UK's universities within one academic year. Upon completion of their studies, scholarship holders become part of the programme's international community of alumni. Detailed conditions of participation and selection criteria are published on the website chevening.org.
Children from the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Palace for Orphaned Children in Ashgabat have left for a summer holiday in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a rich programme has been organised for the children: they visit parks and amusement parks, take part in sports activities, participate in cultural events and enjoy beach holidays on the shores of the Caspian Sea. In an interview with the ‘Ýaşlyk’ TV channel, the children shared their vivid impressions of their holiday, noting that Avaza has everything they need for a comfortable and interesting holiday. The resort's modern infrastructure allows children not only to have fun, but also to improve their health. This summer holiday was made possible due to the state's attention to social support and the comprehensive development of the younger generation.
From 5 to 8 August 2025, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Heads of States and Government, delegates from more than 100 countries, representatives of business, international organisations and the media, according to Arzuw.news. The forum was dedicated to finding solutions for 32 countries deprived of access to sea trade routes, home to about 570 million people. The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. The document covers five areas: structural reforms with a focus on science and innovation, trade integration, transport connectivity, climate resilience and resource mobilisation. By 2034, it is planned to double the share of manufacturing, service exports and high-tech sectors in the economies of the participating countries. The programme includes the creation of regional agricultural research centres, the formation of a High-Level Group on Freedom of Transit and the introduction of mechanisms to attract private investment in infrastructure. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has announced its readiness to invest $10 billion in the development of transport and energy systems. Special attention is being paid to climate issues: there are plans to establish a climate negotiation group and integrate environmental aspects into all areas of the programme. The launch of the Decade of Sustainable Transport from 2026 was also announced. Delegations from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan took part in the forum's cultural programme. Parallel forums were held for the private sector, parliamentarians and young people. The final political declaration includes monitoring and reporting mechanisms and reaffirms commitment to key international agreements. The Avaza conference became the largest international platform for discussing the problems of the LLDCs and marked the transition from declarations to the implementation of specific projects capable of changing the socio-economic situation in these countries.
The Turkmenistan national youth football team (players under 17) has learned who its opponents will be in the qualifying round of the 2026 Asian Cup. This was reported by the IIC. According to the results of the draw, the team was placed in Group F, where it will face Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia and the Maldives. The group stage matches will take place from 22 to 30 November 2025 in the Thai city of Chonburi. A total of 38 teams are participating in the qualifying tournament, divided into seven groups. Only the group winners will advance to the Asian Cup final, which will be held in May 2026 in Saudi Arabia. The 16 strongest youth teams in Asia will compete in the main tournament.
Following the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Avaza, UNICEF called on governments and international partners to focus development plans and investments on the needs of children in the world’s most isolated countries. Over four days, the organization participated in key events, including round tables and plenary sessions, emphasizing the importance of decisive action to support the nearly 250 million children living in these countries. This was reported by the IIC. Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and head of the delegation, noted that children must be at the centre of national strategies and global initiatives, whether it be digital inclusion or adaptation to climate change. Children in landlocked developing countries face multiple barriers, including limited access to education, health care and other basic services. UNICEF emphasised the need for long-term investment in social services, digital infrastructure and climate-resilient systems that are accessible to all. UNICEF supported the adoption of the Awaza Action Programme (2024–2034) and reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to achieve its goals for the benefit of every child.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan intend to increase mutual trade turnover to $2 billion. This issue was discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties agreed to sign an agreement soon on the creation of a border trade zone between Shavat (Khorezm region) and Dashoguz (Dashoguz velayat) and to launch it in the near future. In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.15 billion, and in the first six months of 2025, it amounted to approximately $500 million.
Turkmenistan was represented at the international forum ‘Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the Commonwealth of Independent States,’ which took place on 7–8 August in Samarkand. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by more than 100 specialists and experts, as well as representatives of IT companies and government agencies from the CIS countries. The forum became a platform for discussing the prospects for the introduction of artificial intelligence, harmonising policies and standards, and searching for joint innovative solutions. One of the priorities of the meeting was the exchange of experience between countries, the strengthening of partnerships and the launch of joint initiatives. The results of the forum will contribute to the development of scientific and technical cooperation within the CIS and the expansion of the use of digital technologies in various sectors of the economy.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the World Youth Conference under the slogan ‘Together for Peace,’ which was held on 29 July in Beijing. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event brought together more than 3,000 young participants from 130 countries. The forum adopted the ‘World Youth Peace Initiative.’ The initiative calls on young people to actively defend peace, develop intercultural dialogue, support sustainable development, combat climate change and use scientific and technological progress for the benefit of all humanity. In his address to the participants, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping emphasised the important role of young people in shaping a united and peaceful future for the planet, noting that the fate of humanity depends on the younger generations.
Teachers from the Department of Romance-Germanic Languages and a trainee teacher from the Department of Foreign Literature at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) attended a two-week advanced training course at the University for Foreigners in Perugia (Italy). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The training brought together Italian language teachers from different countries and included lectures, interactive classes, the study of modern teaching methods, the use of digital resources, as well as in-depth lessons on grammar, phonetics and lexicology. Participants also learned about the cultural and linguistic characteristics of Italian cities. According to the teachers, the trip contributed to the exchange of experience and the strengthening of international scientific and educational ties. The knowledge gained will be used to improve Italian language teaching methods in Turkmenistan. The event was held within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between TSU and the University of Perugia, the oldest and most prestigious Italian university specialising in teaching foreign students and promoting Italian culture. Cooperation between Turkmen universities and Perugia continues, involving both teachers and students.
Filmmakers from Turkmenistan will participate in the 10th Caspian Media Forum, which will be held on 21–22 August in Astrakhan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Representatives of the film industry from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan will also participate in the event. The forum programme includes a plenary session and four sessions, including ‘Cinema and Media’, organised by the Regional Filmmaking Support Fund (FPRK) of Russia's Union of Filmmakers. During the sessions, experts will discuss the development of the film industry, successful international projects and prospects for joint work. Astrakhan State University will host screenings of documentaries about the cultural traditions of the region's peoples. FPRK Executive Producer Eleonora Tukhareli noted that the forum has been an important platform for intergovernmental and intercultural cooperation for ten years. The forum is organised by the Astrakhan Regional Government, the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund for of the CIS and the ‘Caspian-Eurasia’ Centre.
Between January and June 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan amounted to US$140.2 million, equivalent to 0.57% of Azerbaijan's total foreign trade turnover. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Over the six months, exports of Azerbaijani goods to Turkmenistan reached $30.3 million, while imports from that country amounted to $109.8 million. Supplies of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan during the reporting period amounted to $29.5 million, which corresponds to 1.68% of the country's total non-oil exports. According to this indicator, Turkmenistan ranked 10th among the key importers of non-oil products from Azerbaijan.