On June 26, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, held a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan, the United Nations, and its specialized agencies. The importance of long-standing cooperation was noted. During the meeting, initiatives of Turkmenistan and United Nations resolutions aimed at developing energy and transport corridors, as well as strengthening peace and sustainable development, were reviewed. Special attention was given to the initiative to declare 2028 the “International Year of International Law,” which, as noted, would contribute to strengthening trust and the international legal framework for cooperation. The sides also discussed aligning national plans with the Sustainable Development Goals, improving legislation in line with international standards, digitizing the information systems of the national parliament, and developing electronic document management. The importance of seminars and meetings held in these areas was emphasized. At the end of the meeting, D. Gulmanova congratulated Dmitry Shlapachenko on his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.
Lecturers from the S. A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University took part in a training seminar under the “Building a Resilient Institutional Dialogue (BRIDGE)” project, held from June 14 to 20 in Bologna, Italy, within the framework of cooperation in the “Italy – Central Asia” format. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The event was organized under the coordination of the European Union and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Before the start of the in-person program, participants completed a two-week online course on regional cooperation, environmental issues, and water resource management. At the Institute of Asia of the University of Bologna, representatives from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan presented projects in the fields of agriculture and water-saving technologies. Italian experts delivered lectures on precision farming, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. Practical sessions were also held on combating drought, implementing modern irrigation systems, and preparing international projects. As part of the seminar, participants visited the regional government of Emilia-Romagna, the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo irrigation canal, the ACQUA CAMPUS research center, the Codigoro pumping station, and the Salvi Vivai nursery, where they became acquainted with European agricultural standards, innovative hydraulic solutions, and water-saving technologies. At the end of the program, participants were awarded international certificates.
A ceremony for awarding the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship” was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan. The laureates included 10 Turkmen students and school pupils who achieved outstanding results in studying the Chinese language, culture, and traditions, according to the information agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, delivered a welcoming speech. He congratulated the awardees and noted the development of Chinese–Turkmen cooperation in the field of education. According to the diplomat, interest in studying the languages and cultures of both countries continues to grow. He stated that more than 10,000 Turkmen citizens are currently studying at universities in the People’s Republic of China, while the number of Chinese students in Turkmenistan is also increasing. The ambassador emphasized that academic exchange contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Ji Shumin noted that cooperation has been supported by agreements reached during the March visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese ambassador expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan for supporting joint educational initiatives, and also thanked teachers for their work. At the end of the ceremony, the diplomat wished the laureates success in their studies and expressed confidence that the younger generation will continue to strengthen friendship between Turkmenistan and China.
On June 25 in Brussels, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization, the 147th and 148th sessions of the WCO Council began. A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Chairman of the State Customs Service Maksat Khudaýkuliyev, is taking part. This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The sessions will last until June 27 and bring together representatives of customs administrations from various countries to discuss strategic directions for the development of the global customs system. Turkmenistan’s participation highlights its course toward integration into the international customs system, modernization of border infrastructure, and strengthening of trade and economic cooperation within the WCO framework. As part of the visit, a meeting is also planned with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, where discussions will focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, the implementation of organizational standards, and the development of human resources.
The national team of Turkmenistan secured five medals at the 24th Asian Armwrestling Championship, which was held in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. More than 600 athletes from 21 countries took part in the competition. According to the results of the tournament, the Turkmen team won four silver and one bronze medal, reports the IIC. Silver medalist in the “Seniors” category up to 65 kg in right-arm wrestling was Vepa Ezizmukhammedov. Another silver medal in the 21–23 age group in the up to 85 kg weight category was won by Azim Nurmukhammedov. Two silver medals in the “Master” category (40–49 years) up to 80 kg were brought to the team by Rovshan Chopanov, who successfully competed in both right- and left-arm divisions. The bronze medal in the “Grand Master” category (50–59 years), over 90 kg, was won by Ahmed Pirovov, the head of the Athletic Sports Federation of Turkmenistan. In addition, Ahmed Pirovov and Rovshan Chopanov, both international category referees, worked at the tournament as officials. Following the championship, they earned the right to officiate at the World Armwrestling Championship, which will take place in October in New Delhi. In the coming months, Turkmen athletes will continue preparing for international competitions. In August, the Cup of the Athletic Sports Federation, including para-armwrestling disciplines, will be held in Ashgabat, while in September the Ashgabat Championship in armwrestling and powerlifting will take place. The team is also preparing to participate in the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
Following a panel session at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Turkmenistan has become a member of the Regional Alliance of Investment Councils (RAIC), which brings together eight countries from Central Asia and the South Caucasus. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The newly established alliance includes Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the South Caucasus countries. The primary objective of the RAIC is to coordinate investment policies and promote the development of cross-border projects. According to Aziz Gafurov, Head of the Secretariat of the Council of Foreign Investors under the President of Uzbekistan, the investment agenda in Central Asia is becoming increasingly regional and interstate in nature. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The alliance's secretariat is expected to be based in Uzbekistan.
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 27th meeting of the Air Navigation Coordination Commission, held in a hybrid format at the premises of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). This was reported by the IIC. The meeting brought together representatives of the civil aviation authorities of the CIS member states, as well as experts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The discussions focused on the implementation of the Concept for the Harmonization of National Air Traffic Management Systems, approved by the CIS Council of Heads of Government, and on the project to establish the Eurasiacontrol Unified Air Navigation Coordination Center. Participants supported strengthening cross-border coordination, noting that the initiative could improve the efficiency of air traffic management and simplify flight planning. Following the meeting, the participants agreed to finalize and coordinate the relevant documents at the national level and to establish a working group to prepare a roadmap for the project. Uzbekistan's representative, Akmal Djumayev, was elected Chairman of the Commission for a three-year term. The next meeting is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The next meeting of the CIS Economic Council will be held in Ashgabat on September 11, according to Turkmenportal. The decision was announced following the 110th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, which took place in Moscow on June 26 under the chairmanship of Khojamurad Geldymuradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the heads of delegations from the CIS member states discussed various aspects of economic cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The CIS Economic Council is the Commonwealth's principal executive body responsible for implementing agreements and decisions adopted by the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government in the areas of establishing and operating the free trade area, as well as promoting socio-economic cooperation. The Council is composed of deputy heads of government from the CIS member states.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in a high-level event in Brussels, where the Connectivity Agenda Platform was officially launched. The news was reported by Orient News Agency. The new interregional mechanism is designed to enhance transport, energy, trade, and digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region, creating a broader transcontinental framework for cooperation. The discussion brought together representatives of the European Commission, ministers, diplomats, and heads of international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the World Bank. The participants focused on modernizing the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, digitalizing customs procedures, and attracting investment for logistics projects. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of "soft" connectivity, including the reduction of regulatory barriers and the promotion of digital integration. At the conclusion of the meeting, a package of agreements was signed to finance feasibility studies and digital solutions, effectively establishing the platform as not only a political initiative but also a practical investment mechanism. For Turkmenistan, this creates additional opportunities to strengthen its role as a key transport hub linking Europe and Asia.
On June 25, Turkmenistan's Minister of Education, Jumamurat Gurbangeldiyev, held a meeting with the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Turkmenistan, J. M. Al-Attar. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iraq in the fields of education, science, and cultural and humanitarian interaction. The interlocutors emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly ties between the two countries and expressed their interest in further developing contacts between educational institutions. The meeting also focused on potential joint projects aimed at expanding academic cooperation, exchanging professional experience, and strengthening humanitarian ties. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a constructive dialogue and exploring new areas of cooperation in the field of education.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in a high-level expert session held as part of the diplomatic format "Ambassador Series: An Inside View," organized by the renowned European publication The Brussels Times in Brussels. This was reported by the Orient News Agency. The participants discussed the protection of critical port infrastructure, the development of transport corridors, and the resilience of international supply chains. The participation of the Turkmen side underscored Ashgabat’s interest in strengthening cooperation between Europe and Central Asia, as well as in developing the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. The discussion continued a series of events dedicated to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and European logistics hubs.
Representatives of the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan are taking part in the 22nd International Conference “CDIO 2026”, held from 22 to 25 June at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. This is reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The delegation includes senior lecturer of the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems, Islam Orazov, and the director of the Oguz Khan Scientific and Technological Center, Akhal Akgaev. This year, the forum brought together 157 representatives from 71 universities across 27 countries. Participants are discussing modern approaches to engineering education, scientific research, specialist training, and the implementation of innovative educational technologies. The main theme of the conference is the improvement of students’ professional development through new methods of knowledge assessment and feedback systems. The agenda also includes issues related to the digitalization of education, the development of project-based learning, and improving the quality of engineering training. Representatives of the Turkmen university are presenting reports on the institution’s scientific research, cyber-physical systems, and modern technologies, and are also participating in working sessions of the international CDIO network. It is noted that participation in the conference contributes to the development of international academic cooperation and the improvement of educational programs in line with global standards. The Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan became the first university in Central Asia to join the CDIO initiative as a full member in 2023.