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A delegation from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit
26.08.2026A delegation from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Deputy Secretary of the region’s Communist Party of China Committee and Chairman of the XUAR People’s Government, has arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme for the visit includes negotiations on expanding trade and economic cooperation and implementing joint projects in the fields of agriculture, science, education and technology. As part of the visit, the delegation visited the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, where they familiarised themselves with the work of specialist laboratories and the research carried out by Turkmen scientists in the fields of physical, chemical, biological, genetic and technical research. The delegation also met with the leadership of the Ashgabat City Administration, where they discussed the expansion of mutually beneficial partnerships. In the afternoon, negotiations were held with representatives of Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector — the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the State Concern ‘Türkmenpagta’ — as well as with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers responsible for the agricultural sector. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of trade, economic and agricultural cooperation. The Turkmen side emphasised the priority of attracting investment, introducing innovations and foreign expertise to modernise the agricultural sector, as well as developing transport and logistics services and organising joint business forums and exhibitions. Representatives of the XUAR supported these proposals and put forward counter-initiatives. Separately, the parties discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation — student and academic exchanges, the organisation of internships for young researchers, as well as cooperation in the field of environmental protection and water-saving technologies in the agricultural sector. Given the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region’s experience in the rational use of land and water resources and the fight against desertification, the Turkmen side expressed its readiness to engage in joint research programmes. Following the negotiations, the parties expressed their confidence that the visit would give impetus to the development of Turkmen-Chinese relations. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region delegation’s visit is continuing.
A Turkmen university has studied Finland’s experience of digital transformation
26.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, comprising staff from the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD), undertook a working visit to Helsinki as part of the European Union’s regional project ‘Connectivity for Central Asia’ (C4CA). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme for the visit was organised by Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the Finnish Institute of Public Administration (HAUS). It focused on studying Finland’s experience of digital transformation, the development of IT infrastructure and the implementation of innovative solutions in public administration and higher education systems. During the trip, the leadership of the Turkmen university held negotiations with European partners and consolidated the agreements reached following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026. The parties agreed on the practical implementation of part of the project at the IUHD, which will enable international expertise to be integrated into the domestic educational environment. The initiative is in line with the objectives of Turkmenistan’s State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and is aimed at training qualified specialists and strengthening academic ties.
A professor from Mexico delivered training courses for university lecturers in Turkmenistan
26.08.2026Kenneth Richter, a professor at the University of Guanajuato (Mexico), led a two-week professional development programme for lecturers at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. During his visit, he worked in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, according to the news agency Orient. The 20-hour course was organised for lecturers from the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology and the Seyitnazar Seydi State Pedagogical Institute. The programme focused on modern methods of teaching English and communicative practices. Professor K. Richter also held open meetings with students and members of the public. Participants discussed academic and institutional practices in Latin and North America. The visit marked the first instance of direct academic cooperation between the University of Guanajuato and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan.
Al-Biruni’s legacy continues to be studied a thousand years on
25.08.2026UNESCO has described Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni as a ‘universal genius’ who lived in Central Asia a thousand years ago. The scholar was born on 4 September 973 in the town of Kas in ancient Khwarezm. He studied astronomy, mathematics, geography, history, physics, mineralogy, pharmacology and other sciences. This is reported by Arzuw.news, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Al-Biruni’s teacher was the mathematician and astronomer Abu Nasr Mansur ibn Iraq. The scholar is credited with around 180 works, some of which have survived to this day. Among the best known are ‘Chronology of Ancient Nations’, ‘India’, ‘The Canon of Mas’ud’, ‘The Book of Precious Stones’ and ‘Pharmacognosy’. ‘The Canon of Mas’ud’ contains astronomical and mathematical calculations, tables and information on the motion of celestial bodies. Using geometric methods and observations, al-Biruni calculated the radius of the Earth, arriving at a value close to the modern one. In his work ‘India’, the scholar explored the mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, religion, geography and culture of India. To work with primary sources, he learnt Sanskrit. Pharmacology occupies a significant place in al-Biruni’s legacy. In ‘Kitab al-Saydana fi al-Tibb’, he systematised information on medicinal substances, plants and minerals, and regarded pharmacy as an independent field of knowledge. Today, a lunar crater and an asteroid bear al-Biruni’s name. In 1974, UNESCO’s magazine ‘Courier’ dedicated a special issue to the scholar. His scientific legacy continues to be studied by researchers.
Turkmenistan and China are developing their partnership in the agricultural sector
25.08.2026A Turkmen-Chinese meeting dedicated to the development of cooperation in the agricultural sector took place in Ashgabat. The event took place as part of a visit by a delegation from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the People’s Republic of China, led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the XUAR People’s Government, reports IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed digitalisation and the introduction of innovations in the agri-food sector, cotton cultivation and raw material processing, seed production and plant breeding, as well as environmental and water conservation issues. The negotiations were attended by heads of relevant ministries and enterprises from Turkmenistan, representatives of the XUAR’s agricultural authorities, scientists from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and executives from Chinese companies specialising in agricultural machinery, seed production and agricultural technologies. The Chinese companies expressed an interest in joint investment and technology projects, as well as in the supply of agricultural machinery and equipment. The parties confirmed their readiness to implement the agreements reached and to continue exchanging visits by specialists and agricultural experts.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the new President of Bangladesh
25.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of Turkmenistan wished him good health, strength, energy and success in his efforts to promote the progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.
The President of Turkmenistan received the newly appointed German Ambassador
25.08.2026On 24 August, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Petra Dachtler, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan. The German Ambassador presented her credentials to the Head of State, according to the news agency TDH. During the meeting, Petra Dachtler conveyed greetings to the President of Turkmenistan from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and noted that it was a great honour for her to represent Germany in Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Ambassador on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to further strengthen bilateral relations. The parties discussed the prospects for developing cooperation. It was noted that Germany is one of Turkmenistan’s leading partners among the countries of the European Union. Bilateral cooperation is developing in the political, economic, medical, educational and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the ‘Central Asia–Germany’ framework, the expansion of trade and economic ties, and the development of transport connectivity. The role of the Turkmen-German Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the German Eastern Business Association was also highlighted. Cooperation in the healthcare sector was singled out, including the exchange of expertise between German and Turkmen specialists, the professional development of medical staff and the study of European practices. Educational cooperation is also aimed at staff training and the exchange of knowledge and experience. In conclusion, Petra Dachtler gave her assurance that she would promote the further development of German-Turkmen cooperation across all areas.
A new Master’s programme has been launched at Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university
25.08.2026The Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas has launched a new Master’s programme in ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry’. The programme will commence in the 2026–2027 academic year, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The programme has been developed taking into account the current requirements of the oil and gas sector and the outcomes of international Erasmus+ educational projects. It is based, in particular, on the ESGCA and GDCAU projects, which focus on ESG, sustainable development and the ‘green’ transition. The programme includes two specialisations: ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (ESG Strategies)’ and ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry)’. The first specialisation trains specialists in the fields of ESG strategies, the assessment of environmental and social risks, corporate governance and sustainable finance. The second specialisation focuses on the rational use of resources, reducing environmental impact, energy efficiency and the development of the ‘green’ economy. The new programme is the practical outcome of the university’s international cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme and aims to train specialists in the economics and management of the oil and gas industry with expertise in ESG and sustainable development.
Ahal-Teke racehorses will take centre stage at the World Championships in the Netherlands
25.08.2026The World Championships in dressage and show jumping, as well as the International Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, will take place in the Netherlands from 4 to 6 September 2026. The event will be held at the Peelbergen International Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, according to the news agency Orient. Information about the championships is being disseminated by Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions in Europe, the United States, South Korea and India. Breeders, scientists, experts and connoisseurs of the Ahal-Teke breed from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States are expected to attend. The event is organised by the State Association ‘Türkmen Atlary’, the European Association for Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding (ATHA) and the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Horse Breeding. On 4 September, the championship will open and the qualifying rounds will take place. Judges will assess the young horses on their conformation, movement and breed characteristics. Dressage competitions will also begin. On 5 September, there will be a show ring for adult stallions and mares, as well as an open conference of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association. Participants will discuss issues relating to genetic purity and the preservation of the breed. On 6 September, the final sporting trials will take place, followed by the announcement of the championship results. As part of the event, there will be an exhibition of Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, featuring carpets, jewellery, horse harnesses and works of art. The ‘Galkynyş’ national equestrian games troupe will also perform for the European audience, showcasing the traditions of Turkmen horse riding and show jumping.
The Turkmenistan U-20 football team have travelled to Thailand for a training camp
25.08.2026The Turkmenistan U-20 national football team, led by head coach Didar Hajiyev, has begun preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The team is holding a training camp in Thailand, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The qualifying tournament kicks off on 31 August. In the qualifying stage, the 31 teams are divided into eight groups: the group winners, as well as the seven best runners-up, will qualify for the finals. Thus, 15 teams will share places in the finals with the tournament hosts, the Chinese national team. Turkmenistan will compete in Group F alongside Iraq, Thailand and the UAE. The matches will take place in Chonburi (Thailand): 31 August – Iraq vs Turkmenistan, 13:30 3 September – Turkmenistan vs Thailand, 17:30 6 September – UAE vs Turkmenistan, 13:30 The Turkmenistan Under-20s played their last friendly in May 2026 at the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA-2026) Under-20 tournament, hosted by Tajikistan. The Turkmen players beat Afghanistan 3–1 but lost to Tajikistan 1–2, Kyrgyzstan 1–2 and Uzbekistan 0–2, finishing fourth overall. The final stage of the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup will take place in the Chinese city of Hangzhou from 24 March to 10 April.
Turkmen scientists have developed a biological agent to neutralise methane
25.08.2026Specialists at the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have completed the development of a new-generation biological agent capable of neutralising methane emissions in the soil. The work was led by Corresponding Member and Doctor of Chemical Sciences Durdymyrat Gadamov and Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory Altyn Rahmanova, reports the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ news agency. The preparation is based on natural mechanisms. The scientists used indigenous strains of methane-oxidising bacteria adapted to regional climatic conditions. The bacteria contain the enzyme methane monooxygenase, which converts methane into carbon dioxide and water. For ease of use, the live microbial cultures were combined with readily available local materials to form a protective microenvironment. Methane is considered one of the key drivers of global warming: its short-term impact on the atmosphere is tens of times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Excessive accumulation of this gas destroys ecosystems and poses risks to human health. The advantages of this development include high efficiency in the local neutralisation of methane in areas of industrial activity, cost-effectiveness and independence from imported alternatives through the use of local raw materials, as well as environmental safety and non-toxicity to humans, animals and the environment. This development represents a practical step towards implementing Turkmenistan’s environmental strategy. The country has officially joined the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing environmental control standards in the energy sector.
Young professionals from Turkmenistan can receive scholarships in Switzerland
25.08.2026The Swiss Government has announced that applications are now being accepted for the state scholarship programme for the 2027–2028 academic year. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Young professionals from Turkmenistan may apply for grants to carry out research and pursue doctoral studies at leading universities and research institutes in Switzerland. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification and must have been born after 31 December 1991. Applicants must also submit a pre-approved research plan and a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor. The programme provides a monthly stipend, health insurance, and partial reimbursement of accommodation and travel costs. Research placements last between 6 and 12 months. Doctoral scholarships are awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal. Applications must be submitted electronically by 27 November 2026. Enquiries regarding participation by citizens of Turkmenistan should be directed to the Swiss Embassy in Baku, and detailed conditions are available on the programme’s official website.
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