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School pupils from Turkmenistan won four awards at TIMO 2026
15.07.2026School pupils from Turkmenistan won four awards at the Turkic International Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO 2026), held from 2 to 6 July in Baku (Azerbaijan). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Pupils from 13 countries took part in the competition, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey and Turkmenistan. The Turkmenistan team won one bronze medal and three Honourable Mentions. The bronze medallist was Ayhan Orazdurdyev, a 4th grade student at the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School, who scored 80 points out of 56 participants in his age category. Honourable Mentions were awarded to Alymuhammet Orazov from Ashgabat, as well as Ayjeren Muhammetnazarova and Gulshat Muhammetnazarova from the city of Mary. The Olympiad featured highly challenging problems designed to test mathematical knowledge, logical thinking and the ability to solve non-standard problems.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Uzbek Foreign Minister
15.07.2026On 14 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, who had arrived in the country on an official visit. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The guest conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the Head of the Turkmen State, as well as to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his own best wishes to the Uzbek leader and noted that the visit opens up new opportunities for the development of bilateral cooperation. The parties emphasised the high level of trust and mutual respect in Turkmen-Uzbek relations, which serves as the foundation for their strategic partnership. The countries actively cooperate within the framework of the UN, the CIS, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and other international bodies, providing mutual support for initiatives in the fields of peace and sustainable development. The President of Turkmenistan spoke highly of cooperation within the ‘Central Asia+’ regional frameworks. During the meeting, it was noted that, during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth and a consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, it was emphasised that particular attention is being paid to trade and economic cooperation, primarily in the energy, transport and logistics sectors. This work is coordinated by the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties, based on historical bonds of friendship and shared spiritual values. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to further develop fruitful cooperation with Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan is expanding its international humanitarian ties
15.07.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, held a meeting with Brian San, Secretary-General of the Institute of Philanthropy, on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum 2026 in New York. The talks took place as part of a thematic session dedicated to fostering inclusive prosperity through partnerships between charitable organisations and multilateral bodies, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for humanitarian cooperation within the UN framework. Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between the Hong Kong-based Institute of Philanthropy and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in implementing joint social projects and exchanging expertise in the field of child welfare.
‘Petronas’ may begin drilling operations in Turkmenistan’s gas blocks as early as December
15.07.2026Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that exploration and drilling work on the Turkmenistan gas blocks allocated to ‘Petronas’ could begin as early as December. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the project is progressing at a record pace. Anwar noted that the development of the Turkmen fields will strengthen Malaysia’s position as one of the world’s largest holders of gas reserves and will be an important step in ensuring the country’s energy security. He also emphasised that the authorities are continuing to take measures to maintain the stability of energy supplies, keep prices in check and strengthen the economy.
Turkmenistan’s culture and achievements were showcased in Seoul
15.07.2026An information and cultural event for participants of the ‘Eurasia 2026’ Youth Academy took place in Seoul at the office of the Secretariat of the ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan with the support of the Forum’s Secretariat. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants were introduced to Turkmenistan’s system of government, its neutral foreign policy and the Arkadag ‘smart city’ project. The guests also visited an exhibition of traditional clothing, carpets and musical instruments, and sampled Turkmen sweets. The meeting contributed to the development of academic and humanitarian ties between the youth of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of libraries from Turkic-speaking countries
15.07.2026A methodological meeting of library directors from Turkic states was held at the National Library of Azerbaijan in Baku, to mark the 100th anniversary of the First All-Union Turkological Congress. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Enejan Geldiyeva, Director of the Ashgabat Centralised Library System of the Ministry of Culture, and Lachyn Nurmuhammedova, Deputy Director of the State Library of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed the development of digital collaboration between libraries and the exchange of information on cultural events, and presented a bibliographic publication to mark the congress’s anniversary. Guided tours of Baku’s historical landmarks and the Carpet Museum were also organised for the guests.
A UNDP project to reduce the risk of disasters has been launched in Turkmenistan
14.07.2026A UNDP project to reduce the risk of natural disasters, implemented with financial support from Japan, has been launched in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Japan has allocated approximately US$4.9 million for the project. The initiative aims to develop early warning systems, improve emergency preparedness and strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia. The project was launched during a visit by the UNDP regional team from Istanbul. During the mission, consultations were also held with national partners on the implementation of the project and the further development of Turkmenistan’s capacity in the field of disaster risk management.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is attending the UN Forum on Sustainable Development
14.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, is taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The forum, which is taking place from 7 to 15 July, is dedicated to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions are centred on issues relating to water resources, clean energy, innovation, sustainable urban development and international partnership. At the ministerial meeting, senior UN officials emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation, reform the global financial system and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Turkmenistan’s participation in the forum forms part of the preparations for the submission of the country’s third Voluntary National Review, scheduled for 2027.
Turkmenistan and Indonesia: a new phase in the development of their bilateral partnership
14.07.2026On 13 July, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, arrived in Indonesia on a working visit, where he held negotiations with Muhammad Anis Matta, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Indonesia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The diplomats discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda and emphasised the importance of regular political consultations for strengthening inter-state dialogue. The parties paid particular attention to close cooperation within the framework of the UN and the prospects for Turkmenistan’s partnership with ASEAN. In particular, they noted the significance of the initiative to establish a new ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format to strengthen inter-regional ties. The meeting also explored opportunities to expand trade and economic relations, boost investment and implement joint projects. Furthermore, the diplomats agreed to develop cultural and humanitarian ties by facilitating direct contacts between universities and research organisations in both countries.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of the environment and climate
14.07.2026Turkmenistan continues to participate in international efforts to ensure environmental security, combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The environmental and climate agenda is one of the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, according to the news agency TDH. Climate change issues affect not only the environment, but also the economy, the social sphere and the quality of life of the population. In this regard, Turkmenistan is implementing national programmes and developing cooperation with the UN, UNDP, UNEP, FAO and other international organisations. On the international stage, Turkmenistan has put forward a number of initiatives, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies, a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for the countries of Central Asia, and the development of a UN environmental strategy for the region. The proposals also include a special UN programme for the Aral Sea basin. The country pays particular attention to environmental issues in the Caspian region. Turkmenistan’s Caspian Environmental Initiative is aimed at developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the conservation of the Caspian Sea’s biological resources. As part of this initiative, it has been proposed to hold the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. Environmental issues were also discussed at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone in August 2025. Issues of sustainable development were reflected in the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. Turkmenistan is a party to international climate agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In 2023, the country joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and adopted a Roadmap for 2025–2026 to reduce methane emissions. The country is improving its legislative framework in the environmental sector. The National Climate Change Strategy is being implemented, and the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy up to 2030 and the Law ‘On Renewable Energy Sources’ have been adopted. The National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation have also been approved. As part of the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, Turkmenistan is carrying out large-scale greening projects. As a result of annual tree-planting campaigns, new green spaces, parks and woodlands are being created across the country. Environmental principles are also taken into account in the development of urban infrastructure. One example is the city of Arkadag, where digital and ‘green’ technologies are being applied. The project has received a number of international certificates in the field of sustainable construction and environmental safety. Turkmenistan also participates in international climate events. At the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn, the country’s position on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies and developing renewable energy was reaffirmed. One of the key areas of sustainable development is the transition to a circular economy. Turkmenistan advocates the introduction of ‘green’ technologies, resource recycling, waste reduction and the development of innovative production models. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in 2024, the country presented an initiative to establish a Global Framework Programme for the Transition to a Circular Economy. Considerable attention is paid to water resources. Turkmenistan promotes water diplomacy and advocates the rational use of transboundary waters in accordance with international law. One of the country’s initiatives was a proposal to establish a Regional Council on Water Use in Central Asian Countries under the auspices of the UN. Environmental and climatic factors are also taken into account in the development of agriculture. Resource-saving technologies are being introduced across the country, land-use methods are being improved, and plant breeding and the digitalisation of the agro-industrial complex are being developed. Cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and other international partners in the field of adapting agriculture to climate change remains a key priority. Turkmenistan also advocates the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies for Central Asia, which is planned to be based in Ashgabat.
A meeting with a representative from Libya took place at the IIR MFA
14.07.2026Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Mahmud A.M.Hasan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting on 13 July, the parties discussed the development of academic and humanitarian cooperation, including the organisation of specialised courses, the expansion of inter-university exchanges of experience, and promising areas for collaboration. A tour of the Institute of International Relations was also organised for the diplomat. He visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy and the UNESCO ‘Culture of Peace’ Club, where he viewed historical exhibits, archival materials and student projects.
A student from Turkmenistan took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism
14.07.2026Yusup Orazov, a first-year student at the Faculty of International Journalism of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, took part in the OSCE Summer School of Journalism 2026, which took place from 28 June to 12 July in the Republic of Tajikistan, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The educational project was organised by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, for young media professionals and aspiring journalists from Central Asian countries. During the programme, participants studied modern approaches to media work, standards of professional ethics, issues of media literacy and methods of countering disinformation. The practical component included a visit to the state television channel ‘Safina’, where students learnt about the processes involved in producing television programmes, studio operations and the creation of news bulletins. Twenty students and young professionals from leading universities in Central Asia took part in the media intensive, including representatives from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the University of Central Asia (UCA), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai), Ala-Too International University and the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UzSWLU). Upon completion of the course, Yusup Orazov was awarded an international certificate. The organisers highlighted the importance of the project for the professional development of young professionals and expressed their intention to continue running the programme in the future.
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