News
Potential threats of the Rogun HPP to the ecology of Central Asia
28.07.2025During his state visit to Tajikistan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, together with Tajikistan's Deputy Prime Minister Usmonali Usmonzoda, inspected the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. This was reported by the online publication infoportal.news, citing the MONTSAME agency. Despite its importance for Tajikistan's energy sector, the project is causing serious concern among Central Asian countries due to its potential environmental and transboundary impacts. Changes to the Vakhsh River during construction and filling of the reservoir could reduce the flow into the Amu Darya for years, damaging ecosystems, agriculture and water supply in the lower reaches. Experts warn of the risk of land degradation, the disappearance of tugai forests and rare fish species, as well as a lack of coordination with neighbouring countries. An additional threat is posed by the Qosh Tepa canal project in Afghanistan, which, combined with the Rogun hydropower plant, could exacerbate the water crisis. The absence of intergovernmental agreements on water use increases the risk of conflict and instability in the region. Experts insist on the need for an independent environmental and social assessment of the project, taking into account the interests of all countries in the Amu Darya basin.
The Turkmenistan youth football team is preparing for the qualifying stage of the 2026 Asian Cup
27.07.2025From 3 to 9 September, Jordan will host the crucial stage of the 2026 Asian Cup qualifying tournament for national teams under 23 years of age. The Turkmen team is in Group A, where it will face teams from Chinese Taipei, Bhutan and Jordan. This was reported by the IIC. The Turkmen footballers will begin their campaign on 3 September with a match against Chinese Taipei, then play Bhutan on 6 September and conclude the group stage on 9 September with a match against the tournament hosts, Jordan. A total of 44 teams are participating in the qualifiers, divided into 11 groups. The winners of each group, the four best teams among those finishing second, and the Saudi Arabian national team as the host country will advance to the final stage of the tournament, which will be held in January 2026 in Saudi Arabia. For the Turkmenistan youth team, these matches represent an important stage in their development and an opportunity to demonstrate their growing skills on the international stage. A successful performance could open up new prospects for Turkmen football.
Turkmen school students triumphed at the International Physics Olympiad in Paris
27.07.2025The Turkmenistan team achieved impressive results at the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) in Paris, winning four medals and three special awards. This outstanding success demonstrated the high level of training of the country's young physicists. This was reported by the IIC. The silver medallists were sisters Aysenem and Mahriban Kakamyradova, while the bronze medals went to Jumadurdy Nuryev and Dovlet Annamyradov. Nurgeldi Annagurdyev was awarded an honorary diploma for his worthy representation of Turkmenistan at the prestigious competition. The individual achievements of the participants received special recognition. Aysenem Kakamyradova received a special prize as the best among the female participants, and Nurgeldi Annagurdyev was awarded the prestigious Thales STEM Award for outstanding abilities in science and technology. The Turkmenistan team was also recognised with the ITER Award for promoting the principles of diversity, highlighting not only academic achievements but also the social significance of the country's participation in international educational initiatives.
Turkmenistan has concluded export deals with Afghanistan, Turkey and Hong Kong
27.07.2025On 26 July, seven deals worth a total of 44.496 million manat and 636,538 thousand US dollars were concluded at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. On the foreign market, entrepreneurs from Afghanistan signed a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ for the purchase of liquefied gas. In addition, businessmen from Turkey and Hong Kong concluded agreements with local companies for the purchase of cotton yarn and textile waste. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded deals with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ for the purchase of polypropylene grade TPP D 30 S, base oil SN-180 and paraffin wax.
Turkmenistan strengthens cooperation with UNESCO
27.07.2025Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov presented new initiatives for cooperation with UNESCO at a government meeting on 25 July. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Key steps include the participation of a Turkmen delegation in the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand this autumn and the holding of an international forum on digital education and AI in Turkmenistan in August. The forum will be held in a hybrid format and will cover five areas in the field of artificial intelligence. There are also plans to implement projects under the Target Fund, including the ‘Our Heritage’ programme, the ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ initiative, the creation of the first geopark and the preservation of the Amul Fortress. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposals and instructed to strengthen efforts to develop partnership with UNESCO, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in education, science and culture.
Turkmenistan expressed its commitment to environmental diplomacy at a forum in Altai
27.07.2025During the Forum on Ecology in the Altai Republic, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev confirmed the country's commitment to environmental diplomacy and sustainable development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the organisers and emphasised the relevance of the topics discussed at the event. N.Atagulyev recalled that Turkmenistan participates in a number of key international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Over the past 20 years, more than 162 million trees have been planted in Turkmenistan, and the network of nature reserves is expanding. Work is underway to ensure the rational use of transboundary waters and the introduction of water-saving technologies. Turkmenistan is also developing renewable energy, with solar and wind power plants under construction and a Road map for the city of Arkadag being developed. Desert ecosystems have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. N. Atagulyev emphasised that in the year of the 30th anniversary of its neutrality, Turkmenistan is open to international cooperation in the field of ecology.
The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan set a course for import substitution
27.07.2025During his inspection of the second phase of construction of the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, ordered the use of products from the new ‘Bäherden’ ceramic plant. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag inspected key infrastructure facilities, including bridges and access roads, focusing on the quality of construction materials. The use of local tiles and sanitary ware will make it possible to abandon imports for finishing buildings. During a meeting with the leadership of the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag and the mayor of the city, Gulshat Mammedova, new design projects were approved and adjustments were made to the design of transport interchanges, including elements depicting Ahal-Teke horses as a symbol of national identity. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also visited the construction site of the city mosque.
The Youth Chamber Orchestra of Turkmenistan repeated its triumph in Vienna
27.07.2025For the second year in a row, the Turkmenistan Youth Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Rasul Klychev, has conquered the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna, confirming its status as one of the most promising musical ensembles in the world. This time, the musicians won not only the main gold award in the ‘Chamber Orchestra’ category, but also special prizes for ‘Best Performance of Classical Music’ and ‘Best Conductor’. This was reported by the IIC. The winning performance of the Turkmen orchestra was distinguished by its virtuoso synthesis of European classics and national musical traditions. The skillful inclusion of the sound of the dutar in the score was particularly well received by the Viennese audience and the professional jury. The President of the festival's creative committee, Professor Toby Purser, highly praised the skill of the Turkmen performers and expressed his desire to develop further cooperation, including joint concert projects.
Kazakhstan delegation visited Turkmenistan to strengthen trade ties
26.07.2025A delegation from Kazakhstan paid an official visit to Turkmenistan with the aim of strengthening economic and trade ties. The trip included meetings with representatives of government agencies, businesses and key industries, including energy, transport, healthcare and manufacturing. This was reported by the IIC. Particular attention was paid to energy: cooperation on the development of the largest gas field, ‘Galkynysh’, and the development of a partnership between QazaqGaz and the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ were discussed. Projects in the field of petrochemicals and the modernisation of railway infrastructure were also considered. Kazakhstan expressed interest in participating in the construction of the Torghundi-Herat railway as part of the North-South corridor. The parties signed 20 agreements and seven memoranda in the fields of investment, logistics, agriculture, digitalisation and tourism. A strategic partnership programme for 2025–2027 was adopted. The visit also included a cultural programme, with the delegation visiting the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation.
Renowned conductor Neil Varon held a master class for Turkmen musicians
26.07.2025As part of the 11th International Orchestra Festival, world-renowned conductor and professor at the Eastman School of Music Neil Varon held a master class for musicians of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The master class was a significant event of the festival, providing musicians with an opportunity to work directly with one of the leading conductors of our time. Professor Varon shared with the orchestra members the peculiarities of interpretation and the secrets of ensemble playing. The maestro highly praised the level of training of the Turkmen musicians, noting their attentiveness and coordination. Such master classes contribute to cultural exchange and professional development, opening access to the best world traditions of performance.
Businessmen from Armenia purchased textile products from Turkmenistan
26.07.2025On 24 July, Armenian entrepreneurs signed a trade agreement with businessmen from Turkmenistan on the supply of textile products. This was reported by the press service of the SCRMET. Under the deal, plain-dyed jacquard terry products, dyed flannel fabric and raw cretonne fabric were purchased. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs signed an agreement with the Ministry of Textile Industry for the purchase of cotton yarn. At the end of the trading day, two deals were concluded for a total amount of 3.861 million manat and 322,472 thousand US dollars.
President of Turkmenistan signed Decree on pardon in honour of the Year of Peace and Trust
26.07.2025The President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the Decree ‘On pardoning convicted persons on the occasion of 2025 - the International Year of Peace and Trust’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The document was adopted with the aim of strengthening the unity and cohesion of Turkmen society and every family, as well as in accordance with national traditions of mercy and humanism. According to the Decree, a number of prisoners have been released from further serving their main sentence of imprisonment.
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