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Turkmenistan Advances AI and Builds New Digital Corridors
06.06.2026At the SPIEF 2026 session, “Digital Future: Common Development Vectors, Challenges and Solutions,” Turkmenistan’s Minister of Communications, Hajymyrat Khudaygulyyev, presented the country’s plans for the development of artificial intelligence. This was reported by the Orient news agency. He announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Competence Center within Turkmentelecom, which will focus on research, support for national digital priorities, and the training of specialists. Joint pilot projects with international partners were also announced in the fields of transport and logistics, oil and gas forecasting, and water resource management in agriculture. The minister noted that the capacity of international internet channels has increased tenfold over the past three years, a development expected to accelerate the growth of digital services and cross-border data exchange. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cybersecurity. In addition, several infrastructure initiatives were presented, including the Serhetabat–Herat fiber-optic line and a submarine cable across the Caspian Sea, which are expected to strengthen digital connectivity between Europe and Asia.
President of Turkmenistan Receives Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture
06.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting on June 5 with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, who arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. This was reported by AsmanNews. During the meeting, the Azerbaijani minister conveyed greetings and best wishes from President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the head of state and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He also emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation and the organization of mutual Culture Days in strengthening relations between the two countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov conveyed his best wishes in return to the Azerbaijani leader and expressed confidence that the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan would contribute to the further development of bilateral humanitarian ties. The parties noted that Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation continues to develop steadily in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. It was emphasized that cooperation in culture and the arts occupies an important place on the bilateral agenda. The head of state recalled that the Days of Turkmen Culture were successfully held in Azerbaijan in October last year. According to him, such events help strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. It was noted that this year the Days of Azerbaijani Culture are being held in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag. The program includes concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events. The parties also paid special attention to the preservation and promotion of their shared historical and cultural heritage, as well as to organizing events dedicated to the works of prominent representatives of Turkmen and Azerbaijani literature and culture. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their readiness to further develop cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
Sultan of Oman Congratulates the President of Turkmenistan on Eid al-Adha
06.06.2026Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik sent a congratulatory message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramy). This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Sultan conveyed his wishes for good health and happiness to the head of state, and prosperity and well-being to the people of Turkmenistan. Haitham bin Tarik also expressed hope that prayers and sincere wishes would contribute to strengthening peace, unity, and harmony within the Muslim Ummah.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Carl XVI Gustaf
06.06.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Sweden's National Day. This was reported by the online news source AsmanNews. In his message, the head of state wished the King of Sweden good health and happiness, and wished the people of the country peace, well-being and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF Discuss Joint Projects
05.06.2026On June 4, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and the Head of the UNICEF Representation in Turkmenistan, Jalpa Ratna. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The sides noted the effectiveness of long-standing cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNICEF. Special attention was given to the significance of recent events dedicated to the International Day for the Protection of Children, which were held in Turkmenistan with the participation of UN agencies and with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care. During the meeting, the parties discussed ongoing and prospective joint projects being implemented in Turkmenistan. They also considered preparations for upcoming joint events.
Turkmen delegation participates in the Termez Dialogue in Tashkent
05.06.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan is taking part in the second meeting of the Termez Dialogue on connectivity between Central and South Asia, which is being held in Tashkent from June 4 to 6. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The forum brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations, expert and analytical centers from countries of Europe, the CIS, the Americas, the Middle East, Central and South Asia. The main topics of discussion included the development of interregional cooperation, strengthening transport and transit connectivity, expanding trade and economic ties, ensuring energy security, and creating sustainable logistics routes. Participants also reviewed the implementation of major infrastructure projects aimed at developing transport and energy corridors. In this context, the role of projects involving Turkmenistan was noted, including the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, power transmission lines, and fiber-optic communication systems. Special attention was paid to promoting the socio-economic development of Afghanistan and its integration into regional cooperation processes. The forum agenda also included issues of climate change, rational use of water resources, environmental security, human capital development, educational and scientific cooperation, as well as the introduction of digital technologies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Palestine
05.06.2026Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Mekhrie Bäşimova, held a meeting on June 4 with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Turkmenistan, Rana Abu Hijleh. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the two sides discussed current issues of Turkmen-Palestinian cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Particular attention was paid by the diplomats to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In particular, they considered the possibility of holding joint events aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the two countries.
Cevdet Yılmaz highlighted the potential for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey
05.06.2026Vice President of the Republic of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz visited the International Exhibition-Fair “Turkmentextile Expo – 2026”, held in Ashgabat. In a conversation with media representatives, he noted the high level of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation and outlined promising areas of interaction, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. According to Cevdet Yılmaz, Turkmenistan is a friendly and strategic partner for Turkey. He emphasized that bilateral relations continue to develop on the basis of shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. One of the key areas of cooperation, the Turkish Vice President said, is the development of transport, logistics, and energy projects. In particular, he referred to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”), which is seen as an important tool for expanding trade relations between Asia and Europe. Special attention was paid to energy cooperation. The Turkish side noted the importance of projects for supplying Turkmen natural gas to the Turkish market and, through its territory, to European markets. Speaking about trade and economic cooperation, Cevdet Yılmaz said that the volume of mutual trade between the two countries amounted to 2.2 billion dollars last year. According to him, the parties aim to increase this figure to 5 billion dollars. He noted that the “Turkmentextile Expo – 2026” exhibition contributes to the development of business contacts and the expansion of cooperation between entrepreneurs of the two countries. It was also noted that the volume of Turkish investments and construction contracts in Turkmenistan has reached 56 billion dollars. Turkish companies continue to participate in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country. The Vice President of Turkey separately highlighted the development of the city of Arkadag, emphasizing its importance as a modern project in urban planning and digital technologies.
Turkmenistan presents transport and transit potential at meeting in Brussels
05.06.2026In Brussels, at the Egmont Palace, a working breakfast was held between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Maxime Prévot, and the ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organized on the initiative of the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and coordinated by the Embassy of Turkmenistan together with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants discussed prospects for cooperation between Belgium and the countries of Central Asia and Mongolia in the fields of economy, transport, energy, logistics, innovation, sustainable development, and raw materials. The Belgian Foreign Minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the countries of the region, emphasizing their economic and demographic potential, as well as the importance of implementing joint projects. Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov highlighted the growing role of Central Asia in international transport and trade links. Attention was also drawn to the importance of Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat. Special attention was paid to the development of transport and transit cooperation, including the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. As an example of successful bilateral cooperation, collaboration between Turkmenistan and Belgium in the textile industry was noted. During the meeting, the ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia presented proposals for further development of cooperation with Belgium and the European Union in the fields of trade, investment, transport, energy, education, and sustainable development. At the end of the event, the parties confirmed their interest in strengthening dialogue and expanding practical cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels.
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in a CIS Information Council meeting
05.06.2026The XXXIV meeting of the Council of Heads of State Information Agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS Information Council) was held in St. Petersburg on June 3, with the participation of representatives of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication "Turkmenistan: Golden Age". The main topics of the meeting included the use of intelligent systems in the work of state news agencies, issues of journalistic ethics, and the development of cooperation in the context of modern media technologies. Participants also discussed events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the CIS. It was noted that in 2026 Turkmenistan holds the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States and is organizing a number of major international events. Special attention was given to the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government held in May in Ashgabat, as well as its media coverage. During the meeting, an overview was presented of the activities of the International Association for Fact-Checking (Global Fact-Checking Network, GFCN), which uses neural network technologies to verify information and counter the spread of misinformation. In addition, participants were introduced to the new website ania-news.info, a project of the CIS Information Council. The platform brings together materials from state news agencies of CIS member countries covering events, cooperation, and achievements in the economic, scientific, cultural, and sports spheres.
Consultations between the consular services of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan were held in Ashgabat
05.06.2026On June 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted another round of consular consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by the Head of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, while the Kazakh delegation was headed by the Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the sides reviewed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere. Particular attention was paid to the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of both countries, the development of consular cooperation, and certain aspects of international legal collaboration. The participants also discussed the improvement of the legal treaty framework and the expansion of practical cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two states. Following the consultations, a corresponding protocol was signed. The parties confirmed their interest in further developing Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation along consular lines.
Turkmenistan and Turkey held the ninth meeting of the intergovernmental commission
05.06.2026On June 4, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted the ninth meeting of the Turkmen–Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The event was attended by heads of relevant ministries and agencies of both countries, as well as a Turkish delegation led by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, TDH reports. The sides noted the steady development of Turkmen–Turkish relations and discussed further expansion of cooperation in trade, economic affairs, investment, banking, energy, transport and logistics, industry, science and education, culture, and other fields. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in construction, building materials production, energy, transport, agriculture, and the food industry. The discussions also focused on expanding business ties, strengthening the position of producers from both countries in each other’s markets, and increasing the range of goods supplied. Participants reviewed the implementation of agreements reached following the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. Key topics included the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and cooperation in the energy sector. The sides exchanged views on improving transport corridors between Central Asia and Europe, as well as strengthening energy cooperation. Following the meeting, the Protocol of the ninth meeting of the Turkmen–Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed. As part of the visit, bilateral meetings were also held between representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, during which prospects for further development of Turkmen–Turkish cooperation were discussed.
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