From 10 to 12 February, Ashgabat will host the 12th specialised exhibition of export goods from the Republic of Turkey. The exhibition will be held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the Orient news agency. The Ashgabat exhibition will be one of the first foreign presentation platforms for Turkish companies in 2026. The exhibition will cover key sectors of the Turkish economy. Textile and furniture products will be presented, as well as solutions for the agro-industrial complex, including greenhouse equipment and irrigation systems. A separate section will be devoted to food products, cosmetics and household chemicals. The exhibition is focused on direct business contacts and the conclusion of contracts without intermediaries. The Turkish side provides visa support to participants. Turkmenistan is considered by Turkey to be an important partner and a platform for entering the markets of Central Asia. It is expected that new agreements will be signed during the exhibition, contributing to the growth of bilateral trade.
The State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, in collaboration with Asia Football Group, is finalising preparations for the technical support of the ‘Arkadag’ vs ‘Al-Nassr’ match at the Olympic Stadium. This information was provided by the IIC. Twelve cameras, positioned in accordance with international standards, will be used for the television broadcast. Live coverage will begin 30 minutes before the start of the match. The broadcast will include exclusive footage of the teams' arrival, material from the changing rooms, and interviews with the head coaches. During the half-time break, viewers will be presented with a selection of key moments and analytical reviews. The ‘Türkmenistan Sport’ TV channel will broadcast a special pre-match programme one hour before the game from its modern studio at the International Broadcasting Centre. At the same time, the accreditation process for cameramen, photographers and editors is being finalised, who will provide comprehensive and prompt coverage of all stages of the sporting event.
On 8 January, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan held a meeting with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmen-Turkish relations have acquired a new quality in recent years, and bilateral cooperation is developing on an ongoing basis. The parties discussed the prospects and opportunities for cooperation in the field of migration, identifying key areas for further cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the countries in the field of migration and wished for success in the continuation of work in this direction.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Baymyrat Annamammedov presented draft work plans for the construction and industrial complex for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They include quality control of the construction of social and industrial facilities, the provision of building materials, the construction of new and reconstruction of existing enterprises, the modernisation of the energy sector, the introduction of modern technologies and the development of exports of chemical and construction products. New roads, bridges and engineering infrastructure are also planned in Ashgabat. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of high-quality implementation of the plans, increasing the production of building materials, modernising the energy sector and monitoring the construction of motorways. The Head of State approved the plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov presented the draft Work Plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plan was prepared in accordance with the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Neutral Turkmenistan for 2022-2028 and the instructions of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, announced at an expanded government meeting on 6 December 2025. The document provides for measures to strengthen political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with foreign countries, implement the international initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan, including at sessions of the UN General Assembly, and cooperate with international financial and economic structures. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with economic organisations such as the WTO, OECD, IEA, IRENA, as well as joint projects with UNCTAD, ESCAP and UNECE. After hearing the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan's foreign policy is based on the principles of positive neutrality and is aimed at ensuring universal well-being. The Head of State approved the Foreign Affairs Ministry's plan for 2026 and instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to implement it.
G. Saparova, a Korean language teacher at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, is participating in a professional training programme on the development of higher education in Central Asia, which is being held from 7 to 15 January in the Republic of Korea, as part of a Memorandum of Cooperation with Kangwon National University. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The programme is aimed at exchanging experience in working with foreign students, improving the quality of Korean language teaching, introducing modern teaching methods, using authentic and culturally-oriented teaching materials, and preparing teachers for the ‘TOPIK’ international exam. The implementation of the programme contributes to the expansion of teachers' professional competencies and the strengthening of international educational cooperation.
In 2026, Turkmenistan plans to implement major investment projects in the transport and communications sector. This was announced at a government meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Mammethan Chakyev, according to AsmanNews. Among the priority areas are the construction of railway stations and sea vessels, the construction of industrial and social facilities, as well as the repair of diesel locomotives and rolling stock. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the planned measures are aimed at increasing freight turnover through more efficient use of the country's transport infrastructure and transit potential. Steps are also planned to digitise the industry, attract investment and develop international cooperation. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that the transport and communications complex be brought up to modern standards.
A new animated film for children, ‘The Offended Dwarves’, premiered in Turkmenistan. The film is presented in the format of a New Year’s fairy tale and touches on the importance of education and literacy. This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal. In the story, a grandfather tells his grandchildren Dovran and Gulnar a story from their childhood. On New Year's Eve, the children wrote letters to Ayaz Baba, but in the morning they discovered that the messages had disappeared. Dovran remembers seeing dwarves at night who could have taken them. In search of help, the children turn to their grandmother Akjemal Ene, and then go to the sorceress Gummur Mama. With her help, they find themselves in the Enchanted Forest, where the dwarves live. Along the way, the heroes encounter obstacles and receive support from fairy-tale characters, including Goja Chynar and Yartygulak. In the dwarf cave, the children learn that the letters were stolen out of resentment: the dwarves did not know how to write and never received gifts from Ayaz Baba. Dovran and Gulnar teach them to read and write, after which the dwarves write their own letter. In the finale, all the letters are returned to their recipients, and the heroes wake up to find gifts under the Christmas tree. The authors of the cartoon emphasise that knowledge, education and communication skills help to find a way out of difficult situations.
India considers Turkmenistan a close partner in its wider neighbourhood and is ready to share its experience in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and education. This was stated by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking World Hindi Day in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. The Diplomat noted that Turkmenistan and India are linked by historical relations and common regional interests, including their proximity to Afghanistan. He recalled that India recognised Turkmenistan's independence in 1991 and was one of the first countries to open an embassy in Ashgabat. According to him, active political dialogue is maintained between the countries. Among the significant contacts mentioned were the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to India in 2010, the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Turkmenistan in 2015 and the visit of the President of India in 2022. In 2026, the parties plan to continue high-level exchanges. The Ambassador emphasised India's readiness to share its expertise as one of the world's largest and most dynamically developing economies. He named IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, training and sustainable use of natural resources as promising areas for cooperation. Bandaru Wilsonbabu also thanked the Government of Turkmenistan and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages for their support for the study of Hindi. He noted the interest in Indian culture, including music, dance, yoga, Ayurveda and cinema. The event, timed to coincide with World Hindi Day, which is celebrated on 10 January, brought together representatives of the Indian community, the Turkmen media and guests. The programme featured performances by students of the Institute of World Languages, as well as musical numbers, elements of yoga and Indian cuisine.
On 10 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 64th meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments of the country. The meeting presented the results of the Commission's activities for 2025 in accordance with the approved Work Plan. The Action Plan of the Interdepartmental Commission of Turkmenistan on Caspian Sea Issues for 2026 was also approved. Special attention was paid to the tasks planned for implementation in the first half of the year. The participants noted that Turkmenistan has been consistently involved in the development of coordinated decisions on Caspian issues for many years and continues to cooperate with the Caspian states within the framework of international law.
Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva presented draft work plans for the areas under her supervision for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. They provide for the continuation of reforms in education, healthcare and sport: improving educational programmes, strengthening the material and technical base, introducing modern methods of disease prevention and treatment, as well as developing science, innovative industry and attracting talented young people to high technology. In addition, measures are planned to promote national culture and strengthen the country's international authority. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating a knowledgeable generation, improving the education infrastructure and monitoring reforms in healthcare and sports. The Head of State approved the work plans for 2026 and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement them.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented working plans for the trade complex for 2026 during a government meeting on 9 January. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The plans include measures to ensure an abundance of goods and stable prices in the domestic market, develop trade and the digital economy, expand textile production and improve its quality. Particular attention is paid to preserving the national art of carpet weaving. The plans also include the introduction of modern e-Commerce methods at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, the modernisation of exhibitions and conferences of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the expansion of import-substituting and export production through the development of the private sector and the strengthening of international trade ties. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to continue work on the implementation of these tasks and ensure the effective use of the production capacities of the textile industry, and the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.