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Turkmenistan approves the foreign policy work plan of the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 2026
12.01.2026Deputy 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.
A lecturer from a Turkmen university is undergoing advanced training in South Korea
11.01.2026G. 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.
Major transport projects planned for Turkmenistan in 2026
11.01.2026In 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.
New children's cartoon ‘The Offended Dwarves’ presented in Turkmenistan
11.01.2026A 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 is ready to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of IT and education
11.01.2026India 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.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Commission on Caspian issues
11.01.2026On 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.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan approved key plans in education and healthcare
11.01.2026Deputy 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.
Turkmenistan sets out trade policy priorities for 2026
11.01.2026Deputy 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.
Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry: priorities and objectives for 2026
10.01.2026On 9 January, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov presented the oil and gas complex's plans for 2026 at a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The State Concerns ‘Türkmengaz’ and ‘Türkmennebit’ will focus on the development of fields, the production of oil, gas and condensate, the production of liquefied gas, deep oil processing and the export of energy resources. The State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ will be engaged in the search for oil, gas, solid minerals and groundwater deposits, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies and digital systems. Among the priorities are new stages in the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field and the construction of an important section of the ‘Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India’ gas pipeline, the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section, known as ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of increasing production and the efficient use of capacity and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement the plans.
Ashgabat celebrated World Hindi Day
10.01.2026On the eve of World Hindi Day, the Indian Embassy in Ashgabat held a festive event dedicated to one of the world's oldest languages. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The date coincides with the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975. Today, Hindi is spoken by more than 600 million people and ranks third in the world in terms of prevalence. The programme was opened by students of the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Dovletmammet Azadi, who demonstrated their high level of language proficiency through poetic recitations and vocal performances. The audience also enjoyed dance and music performances inspired by Indian cultural traditions and classical cinema. Special attention was paid to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Indian heritage: participants from the Ashgabat Yoga Centre presented a demonstration programme, emphasising the profound meaning of this practice. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, delivered a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Hindi is an important cultural and emotional link that promotes dialogue between peoples and the development of cooperation. The evening concluded with the awarding of active students and a tasting of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The event was a vivid example of how language and culture strengthen humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan.
Preferential loans as a tool for sustainable economic development in Turkmenistan
10.01.2026Turkmenistan has summarised the interim results of the implementation of the state strategy for financial support of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the social sector. This was reported by the IIC. As of December 2025, the preferential lending system has become one of the key instruments of the country's economic development. As part of the policy, about two thousand large investment projects have been financed. The implementation of these initiatives has created over 16,700 new jobs, which has contributed to increased social stability and strengthened the productive capacity of the regions. A significant amount of state support has been directed to the agro-industrial complex. Dayhan associations and private agricultural producers have gained access to long-term loans at 1% per annum. Financial resources are used for the technical re-equipment of the industry, the purchase of modern agricultural machinery, and the implementation of projects in livestock and poultry farming. The financing model used contributes to securing the domestic food market and gradually increasing the export potential of domestic products. In the social sphere, improving the housing conditions of the population remains a priority. The country has a mortgage lending system that provides for the purchase of housing for up to 30 years at 1% per annum with a five-year grace period. Special attention is paid to the city of Arkadag, where housing construction is carried out using modern technologies, and the existing financial mechanisms ensure the availability of housing for various categories of citizens. Young families receive additional targeted support — more than 185,000 couples have already taken advantage of preferential loans for home improvement. The dynamics of lending activity testify to the effectiveness of the socio-economic policy being implemented. Financial incentives for various industries form a stable basis for the further development of the national economy.
Foreign leaders sent New Year greetings to the President of Turkmenistan
10.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders, according to the news resource AsmanNews. Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife wished the Head of State good health, happiness and prosperity, expressing their hope that 2026 would be a year of positive change. President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu also sent a congratulatory message, extending her best wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the New Year.
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