A meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov and Ilham Rzayev, Marketing Manager of the English-language publication ‘The Brussels Times’, took place in Brussels. The negotiations focused on prospects for developing media cooperation and implementing joint information projects. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The Ambassador spoke in detail about the work of the diplomatic mission, paying particular attention to the role of public diplomacy in promoting Turkmenistan's foreign policy priorities. It was noted that the embassy regularly organises briefings and meetings with media representatives, ensuring open access to information on the country's domestic and foreign policy. The rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, its peacekeeping initiatives and modern achievements became key topics for future publications. The parties paid special attention to the coverage of the principles of permanent neutrality, good-neighbourliness and sustainable development, as well as Turkmenistan's activity at the UN. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in strengthening cooperation. Ambassador S. Palvanov emphasised his readiness for productive interaction with international media interested in objective coverage of various aspects of life in Turkmenistan.
The Asian Development Bank has published the results of the Cross-Border Trade and Transport Facilitation Index (CBTTFI), in which Turkmenistan's border crossing points demonstrated impeccable performance. According to the report, Turkmen border crossing points received the maximum score of 100% in the key category of ‘transport regulation’. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The study covered six border crossing points in five countries in the region. Other participants included the Azerbaijani crossing point ‘Qırmızı Körpü’, which showed 71% overall efficiency, the Uzbek crossing point ‘Yallama’, which ranked with a total score of 77%, and the Pakistani ‘Torham’, which stood out for its best results in coordinating customs procedures (88%) and supporting transit operations (82%). ADB experts emphasise that Turkmenistan's performance in these areas strengthens its strategic position in the development of regional trade routes and transport and logistics cooperation. The data obtained is particularly important for optimising international freight transport and further integration of transport systems in Central Asia. The bank's report testifies to Turkmenistan's significant progress in establishing an effective border control and customs administration system, which contributes to improving the business environment and investment attractiveness of the country.
Turkmen specialists Merdan Durdyev and Dr. Sergazy Nurbavliyev achieved outstanding success at the prestigious international hackathon ADKHackathon. Their development, SalesShortcut, is an advanced artificial intelligence system for the complete automation of sales processes, capable of independently finding customers, analysing market trends, preparing commercial offers and conducting negotiations. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenportal’. The large-scale competition attracted a record number of participants – over 10,000 professionals from around the world. The organisers noted 500 projects submitted and the creation of more than 1,500 unique AI agents. A special feature of the event was the participation of not only IT specialists, but also representatives from various fields, ranging from education to fundamental science. The regional winners included cutting-edge developments from North America, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, each offering innovative solutions in their field. The success of Turkmen developers on the global technology stage demonstrates the rapid growth of the country's IT potential and opens new horizons for the development of artificial intelligence in the region.
On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Qatar, M. Seyitmammedov, had a working meeting in Doha with the Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences of Qatar, Mubarak Ajlan AL-Kuwari. This was reported by the online publication ‘Orient’. During the negotiations, the Turkmen diplomat informed the Qatari side in detail about Turkmenistan's important international initiatives, including the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Special attention was paid to the upcoming events in honour of the 30th anniversary of the country's neutral status. The participants discussed practical aspects of the organisational and protocol support for upcoming forums and conferences in Doha. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further cooperation, including the exchange of experience in organising major international events. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, demonstrating the mutual readiness of the parties to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere.
During his visit to Mary and Lebap velayats, Japanese Embassy Counsellor Hosaka Hideki presented 150 books to local libraries as part of a cultural exchange programme. This was reported by the IIC. The READ JAPAN PROJECT aims to broaden Turkmenistan's understanding of the traditions and modern life of the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese Embassy noted the high level of technical equipment in Turkmen libraries, which, in addition to book collections, also feature museum exhibitions and astronomical complexes. According to diplomats, such infrastructure creates ideal conditions for development and education. The donated literature is expected to become an important resource for students, researchers and anyone interested in Japanese culture. This step is intended to strengthen humanitarian cooperation between the two countries and open up new prospects for mutual cultural enrichment.
The third volume of the novel ‘The Great Seljuks’ by Turkmen historian and national writer Yazmyrat Mammedy has been added to the collection of historical fiction lovers, according to the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The first two volumes have already gained popularity among readers, immersing them in the history of the Oguz and the formation of the Seljuk Empire. The new book covers the period of the formation of the Seljuk state, revealing the strategic interaction between the brothers Chagry-bek and Togrul-bek. By decision of the Great Council, Chagry-bek remains in Merv, controlling Khorasan, while Togrul-bek establishes a centre of power in the city of Rey and launches large-scale military campaigns. A separate chapter is devoted to the reign of Sultan Alp Arslan. The author describes in detail his military successes and outstanding strategic decisions. The narrative culminates in the Battle of Manzikert, where Alp Arslan won a decisive victory over the troops of the Byzantine Emperor Roman IV Diogenes, captured him and earned the title ‘Sultan of Sultans’. The novel ‘The Great Seljuks’ combines a rich historical narrative with accessible language. The publication is accompanied by original illustrations that allow readers to immerse themselves more deeply in the atmosphere of the era described, notes journalist Svetlana Chirtsova.
Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a parallel high-level event was held on ‘International Year of Peace and Trust: building momentum towards SDG 16 that promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.’ This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). The discussion focused on the importance of peaceful dialogue, mutual trust and inclusive governance for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16: strengthening justice, creating effective and accountable institutions, and building fair and inclusive societies. The discussion was attended by high-level representatives of states, international organisations and expert circles. Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, stressed that peace and trust are the foundation of sustainable development and integration. According to him, the prosperity of landlocked countries is impossible without sustainable political mechanisms, inclusive governance and good neighbourly relations. The participants noted that political stability, mutual trust and multilateral diplomacy are key to the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme, especially in the areas of trade, regional integration and sustainable economic growth.
CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. has successfully completed a major upgrade of a batch of diesel locomotives delivered to Turkmenistan in 2005. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The ceremony was attended by Berdi Saryev, Deputy General Director of JSC ‘Demirýollary’, Vepa Akmyradov, Director of the Locomotive Bureau, Baymyrat Atayev, Director of the Office, as well as CRRC Ziyang management and specialists. The contract for the overhaul was signed at the end of 2024, and in May 2025, the first batch of locomotives returned to the factory for comprehensive maintenance. The work included the repair of key components — bogies, diesel engines, electrical systems — as well as the installation of modern control, safety and ergonomic systems. Since the start of cooperation in 2004, CRRC Ziyang has delivered 294 locomotives to Turkmenistan, accounting for over 98% of domestic rail transport. The modernised trains will soon be delivered to the country for commissioning.
From 27 July to 3 August, the Bulgarian city of Blagoevgrad hosted the 32nd International Mathematical Competition for Students (IMC-2025). The Turkmen team performed successfully, winning two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the individual competition, according to the news agency Orient. A total of 434 students from 52 countries took part in the competition. Over two days, participants solved complex problems in algebra, analysis, combinatorics and geometry. The Turkmenistan team included representatives from five leading universities in the country: Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Turkmen State Architectural and Construction Institute, the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute and the State Institute of Energy of Turkmenistan. For the students, the Olympiad was not only a test of their mathematical skills, but also a unique opportunity to meet peers from different countries and establish new friendships.
From 12 July to 10 August, students majoring in Chinese language, led by G. Bayramova, a lecturer at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, are participating in an international summer internship at Northwest University in Xi'an (Shaanxi Province, China). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The programme brought together Chinese language teachers and students from different countries, offering lectures, practical classes and master classes on modern teaching methods, as well as excursions to the university, museums and historical sights of Xi'an, the city where the Great Silk Road began. Participants learned about Chinese culture and traditions, including the tea ceremony. The internship promotes the exchange of experience, the development of intercultural relations and the improvement of professional skills. In addition, from 14 to 26 July, G. Rejepova, a language teacher at a university in Turkmenistan, took part in advanced training courses at the same university.
The women's national team of Turkmenistan has entered the TOP 50 of the world ranking of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for the first time. The ranking is based on the average rating of the country's 10 best female chess players. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In December 2022, the team was only in 105th place with a rating of 1528, and previously the team had been in the top 70. The new record was made possible due to a change in the coaching staff, stricter selection, systematic training and psychological support. Under the guidance of head coach Shahruh Turayev, young talents have emerged. A particular success was the gold medal in category C at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September 2024, where the team finished 32nd in the overall standings. The training included training camps in Antalya with international coaches, including Grandmaster Vasily Ivanchuk. The Turkmenistan Chess Federation sees these achievements as a foundation for further development. Plans include participation in international tournaments and preparation for the 2026 Olympiad in Samarkand with the aim of entering the top 40 teams in the world.
The final press conference on the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, described the forum as the largest and most ambitious event in the history of the LLDCs. Rabab Fatima thanked Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation and noted that Avaza has become a symbol of new opportunities for 600 million people in these countries, demonstrating their significant potential despite geographical constraints. The conference brought together more than 5,700 participants from 103 countries, 16 Heads of Government, 3 Vice-Presidents and more than 100 ministers, as well as representatives of NGOs and youth. Among the main outcomes were the establishment of an International Day of the LLDCs, the creation of a new climate negotiation group, the launch of a Global Business Network for these countries, and the announcement of a $10 billion investment from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Turkmenistan presented projects in the fields of circular economy, sustainable transport and medicine. Rabab Fatima emphasised that the success of the programme depends on joint efforts by governments, parliamentarians, businesses, civil society and young people. She noted that what matters most are not words, but real actions that will change the lives of millions of people.