News
Turkmenistan expands research into salt-tolerant flora
13.01.2026Halophytes, plants adapted to life in saline soils and salt water, are widespread in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. These species differ in appearance and survival strategies: from creeping forms to vertically growing ones capable of maintaining water-salt balance. In conditions of salinisation, which accelerates desertification, halophytes become important for ecology and agriculture. There are up to 2,500 known species of halophytes in the world, with around 760 in Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, they grow on the Caspian coast and saline plains, forming a food base. Against the backdrop of climate change and freshwater shortages, their study is becoming particularly important for the restoration of degraded lands.
Turkmenistan's resource potential shapes the development of the energy sector
13.01.2026Natural resources remain a key factor in Turkmenistan's socio-economic development. The extraction and rational use of minerals, primarily oil and gas, are directly linked to economic and social development, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Geological exploration in the country is carried out in stages — from regional studies to the assessment of productive formations. Based on the data obtained, priority areas are identified for detailed geological and geophysical work and subsequent analysis. Oil and natural gas are of the greatest importance to the country. The areas adjacent to the Caspian Sea are considered promising. More than 150 oil, gas and gas condensate fields have been discovered in Turkmenistan. One of the largest is the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field, which is among the world's largest in terms of gas reserves. The oil and gas produced fully cover the country's domestic needs and are exported. The western regions are also rich in iodine, bromine, potassium, magnesium and other chemical elements. The significant resource potential and regular international industry forums with the participation of foreign experts and oil and gas companies confirm the sustainable prospects of Turkmenistan's energy sector.
Turkmenistan's agricultural sector invited to exhibition in Xinjiang
13.01.2026China has opened applications for the International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Xinjiang, which will take place on 25–27 May 2026. The forum is of practical interest to Turkmenistan in the context of the technical modernisation of its agro-industrial complex, according to Orient. Under the slogan ‘Smart agriculture – the key to future cooperation and innovative development of the Silk Road,’ the exhibition organisers have tailored the programme to the needs of Central Asian countries. For the Turkmen side, the key areas are intelligent cotton harvesters and high-powered tractors adapted to local climatic conditions. The venue for the event is Xinjiang, one of the most mechanised agricultural regions in China, where more than 90% of cotton harvesting is automated. Participants will be presented with agricultural drones, crop monitoring systems, water-saving irrigation technologies, and robotic solutions for agriculture. In 2026, there will be a special focus on business interaction. A B2B meeting zone is planned in Urumqi, where Turkmen companies will be able to discuss issues of equipment supply, service maintenance and financing directly with manufacturers. Turkmenistan's participation in the exhibition is seen as an opportunity to explore current technological solutions, expand contacts with foreign manufacturers and take into account global trends in the digitalisation of the agricultural sector.
FAO conference on climate and nutrition to be held in Ashgabat
13.01.2026On 22 January, Ashgabat will host an International Conference on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change entitled ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’, organised with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The forum will bring together experts and government officials to discuss measures to protect agri-food systems from climate risks. The conference will be a continuation of international initiatives presented at the Nutrition for Growth Summit held in London and the Climate Conference in Brazil. The key theme will be the concept of ‘One Health,’ which examines the interrelationship between human, animal, plant and environmental health. Participants will discuss food security, supply chain sustainability and adaptation to extreme weather conditions. The programme includes a ministerial segment and specialised technical sessions. The meeting is expected to result in practical recommendations and strengthened international cooperation in the field of sustainable development and nutrition.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed issues of bilateral cooperation
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest. They also considered specific topics on the regional and international agenda. Particular attention was paid to further steps to implement the agreements in 2026. In addition, issues of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran were discussed.
‘Türkmentelekom’ has implemented backup for virtual machines
13.01.2026The telecommunications company ‘Türkmentelekom’ has introduced a backup function for virtual machines. The new service allows users to save data and increase the fault tolerance of digital projects, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Backup management is fully automated and available in your personal account at os.telecom.tm. In the ‘Machines’ section, users can create a backup copy of the selected virtual machine. The system also allows you to restore the current resource or deploy a new virtual machine based on the saved archive. To link a domain to the control panel, an official letter must be sent to the subscriber department on behalf of the hosting and domain owner. After confirmation of rights, the connection is made by technical specialists. ‘Türkmentelekom’ notes that the introduction of backups is aimed at improving the reliability of cloud services and protecting user data. The innovation has been implemented as part of the development of the company's telecommunications infrastructure and digital services.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed cooperation plans for 2026
13.01.2026On 12 January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan Gismet Gozalov. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current areas of Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of high-level visits, as well as meetings between the leaders and representatives of the two countries. Preparations for events planned for the current year were discussed. These include the next meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Ashgabat. The prospects for the development of cultural and humanitarian ties were also discussed. It was noted that Azerbaijan Culture Days are planned to be held in Turkmenistan in 2026. In addition, the parties exchanged views on the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and equestrian sports, taking into account the thematic focus of the current year.
ADB investments strengthen Turkmenistan's electricity infrastructure
13.01.2026Since 2018, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been involved in modernising Turkmenistan's electricity system. The $500 million National Power Grid Development Investment project was the first initiative of an international financial institution in the country's energy sector, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. As part of the project, approximately 1,400 km of power lines of various voltages and 11 substations were built in a number of velayats and Ashgabat. This contributed to an increase in electricity exports from 3.4 TWh in 2017 to 9.3 TWh in 2023. Technical assistance in the amount of $1.5 million was provided through a JFPR grant, with co-financing from ‘Türkmenenergo’ amounting to $175 million.
Ashgabat discusses cooperation with the United Nations Regional Centre
13.01.2026On 12 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Nations, including within the framework of the implementation of UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in 2025 on the initiative of Turkmenistan. The participants of the meeting summed up the results of cooperation over the past year and discussed plans for 2026. They considered issues related to the implementation of regional programmes and projects involving all five Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality in cooperation with the UN. The initiative was announced on 12 December 2025 in Ashgabat at the International Forum and enshrined in the Ashgabat Declaration, distributed as an official document of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties agreed to continue joint work in the areas outlined.
‘Kids Expo 2026’: the future of the children’s industry in Turkmenistan
12.01.2026From 19 to 22 August 2026, the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ International Universal Exhibition and Fair will be held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event promises to be an important milestone in the development of the children's goods and services industry, providing companies with a unique opportunity to strengthen their position in the market and contribute to its development. ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ serves as a platform for companies working in the field of children's goods and services, allowing them to present innovative products and new solutions that expand market opportunities. The exhibition will not only be a business platform for companies, but also an effective window into the Turkmenistan market, attracting the attention of international partners, investors and professionals in the children's industry from around the world.
Turkmenistan strengthens its role as a transit hub on the East-West route
12.01.2026The formation of the ‘Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey’ multimodal transport corridor is nearing completion in Central Asia. Turkmenistan is considered a key transit link on the route, according to the Orient news agency. One of the key decisions was Tajikistan's agreement with China on the transit of goods through the territory of the PRC to third countries. This allows the ‘China-Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey’ route to be used for the land transport of goods from Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, Tajikistan is expanding its legal framework with European countries. An agreement on international transport with Serbia is in the process of ratification. Draft documents with Hungary and Lithuania are being agreed upon. There are also plans to sign agreements with Turkey and Bulgaria to ensure the smooth transit of freight transport. The implementation of these agreements will enable transport along a single route from the borders of China to the countries of the European Union. It is expected that the flow of transit cargo will pass through the territory of Turkmenistan. Within the corridor, Turkmenistan provides a link between Central Asia, Iran and Turkey. This strengthens its role in the regional transport system and contributes to the growth of transit traffic between East and West.
Activities and Achievements in the Education Sector of Turkmenistan in 2025
12.01.2026In recent years, the development of the education sector in Turkmenistan has consistently remained one of the priority directions of state policy. The year 2025 was marked by the continuation of large-scale reforms in this field, enriched with new content and practical initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and expanding access to modern knowledge for the younger generation. The education system continued to serve as a key driver of intellectual development and was closely aligned with the country’s long-term sustainable development objectives. Throughout 2025, state policy in the education sector focused on modernizing educational content, enhancing teaching methodologies, and gradually introducing approaches based on international best practices. Curricula at various levels were reviewed and updated, while textbooks and teaching materials were improved in line with contemporary academic and technological requirements. These efforts were aimed not only at strengthening theoretical foundations but also at developing students’ analytical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. One of the defining features of the education sector in 2025 was the accelerated integration of digital technologies into the learning process. Digital educational tools were more widely applied in general and higher education institutions, and access to electronic learning resources was expanded. Particular attention was paid to improving teachers’ digital competencies through targeted training programs. As a result, the educational process became more flexible, interactive, and responsive to the demands of the modern world. At the same time, inclusive education remained an important area of focus. Measures were taken to ensure the meaningful participation of children with special educational needs in the learning process through the improvement of teaching methods and support mechanisms. This approach reflected a broader understanding of education as a social institution that promotes equal opportunities, social inclusion, and balanced development. The year 2025 also saw the strengthening of international cooperation in higher education. Partnerships with foreign universities and educational organizations were expanded, creating new opportunities for academic exchanges and professional development for students and educators. Such cooperation contributed to the exchange of experience and supported the gradual integration of Turkmenistan’s education system into the global educational space. Special emphasis was placed on identifying and nurturing young talent. Academic Olympiads, creative competitions, and scientific events were held on a regular basis, encouraging students to deepen their knowledge and strive for excellence. These initiatives played an important role in increasing motivation for learning and enhancing the competitiveness of young people at both national and international levels. Overall, the activities carried out in the education sector of Turkmenistan in 2025 were comprehensive and systemic in nature. The quality and content of education were further improved, digitalization and inclusive approaches were expanded, and international cooperation was strengthened. These achievements not only addressed current challenges but also laid a solid foundation for future progress. The successes recorded in the education sector were made possible through the consistent attention and strategic vision of the country’s leadership. Under the guidance of the Honorable President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and with the invaluable support and initiatives of the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, education has been elevated to the level of a key national priority, ensuring favorable conditions for learning, creativity, and intellectual growth. A notable event highlighting this support took place in December 2025, when school students and university learners who achieved outstanding results at international academic Olympiads, along with the 7 teachers who prepared them, were awarded monetary prizes by the Honorable President of Turkmenistan. School students won a total of 5 silver and 2 bronze medals, while university students achieved 5 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals. These awards not only recognized the academic excellence of the students but also honored the professional dedication of their teachers. The international competitions attracted numerous participants from many countries around the world, emphasizing the prestige and competitiveness of Turkmen young talent on the global stage. Such measures provide strong motivation for both learners and educators, demonstrating the state’s firm commitment to nurturing a knowledgeable, competitive, and forward-looking generation. The results achieved in 2025 confirm that education remains one of the key pillars of Turkmenistan’s sustainable development and its confident advancement in the international arena.
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