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Hero Arkadag: Turkmenistan is expanding cooperation in the gas sector
18.04.2026The fourth phase of commercial development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field has been launched in Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the website AsmanNews. Hero Arkadag noted that the project is of key importance for the development of the country’s gas industry. Turkmenistan continues to put forward initiatives aimed at ensuring stable supplies of natural gas and developing international trade. A course towards environmentally-oriented energy has also been outlined. It was emphasised that the country’s resources are utilised both in the interests of Turkmenistan and for external partners, which strengthens the economy and contributes to the growth of the population’s well-being. Cooperation with the People’s Republic of China was highlighted in particular. China was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan. During a recent visit, new agreements were reached, including on the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ development. The new phase involves the construction of facilities to process 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year, as well as the relevant wells. The general contractor is the China National Petroleum Corporation, commissioned by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’. The project covers the full cycle of work – from drilling to the construction of infrastructure and social facilities. Upon completion, 1,041 jobs will be created. It is expected that the launch of the new facilities will increase gas exports and have a positive impact on the country’s economic development and the standard of living of the population. In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag congratulated those present at the ceremony on the start of the new phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field.
Turkmenistan has begun the fourth phase of development of its largest gas field
18.04.2026On 17 April, in the presence of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang, a ceremony was held to mark the start of work on drilling production wells and constructing a commercial gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year as part of the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the morning, Hero Arkadag arrived at the capital’s International Airport, from where the National Leader of the Turkmen people’s airliner took off for the Mary velayat. Shortly afterwards, Hero Arkadag’s aircraft landed at Mary International Airport. He then travelled by helicopter to the venue of the launch ceremony for the fourth phase of the field’s development, located in the Yoloten etrap. Ding Xuexiang’s plane also landed at Mary Airport, after which the Chinese delegation proceeded to the venue of the celebrations. An atmosphere of great enthusiasm prevailed at the ceremony site. Hero Arkadag was warmly welcomed by the participants and greeted the Head of the Chinese delegation. The celebration was accompanied by a literary and musical performance reflecting the long history of Turkmen-Chinese relations. The delegations viewed an exhibition featuring examples of national decorative and applied arts, costumes, jewellery and paintings. The exhibition showcased Turkmenistan’s historical heritage and modern achievements. The displayed examples of machinery and equipment highlighted the introduction of innovative technologies and compliance with international standards of industrial production. During the meeting, Hero Arkadag noted the strategic importance of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ development programme for the development of the country’s energy sector and the strengthening of international cooperation. The importance of the partnership with China was highlighted as one of the key areas of Turkmenistan’s foreign economic strategy. Joint projects in the oil and gas sector are seen as a factor in the long-term strengthening of bilateral relations. A representative of the Chinese side noted the strategic importance of the cooperation and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the new phase of the project. Following the speeches, the drilling rig was launched, and a ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone and mark the start of construction of the new facility. At the conclusion of the event, a celebratory sadaqah was held. Afterwards, Ding Xuexiang departed for China, whilst Hero Arkadag returned to Ashgabat. Thus, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development forms a long-term foundation for strengthening Turkmenistan’s energy independence, expanding export routes and the country’s industrial development, whilst contributing to the sustainable economic growth of the entire region.
The Chechen Republic has received its first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan
17.04.2026On 14 April, the first consignment of tomatoes from Turkmenistan was delivered to the Chechen Republic. The shipment was carried out in compliance with all phytosanitary requirements and the necessary certificates, according to the news agency Orient. Entering this new market reflects the expansion of trade and economic ties and the growth of Turkmenistan’s export potential. Turkmen tomatoes, renowned for their quality and environmental friendliness, already enjoy steady demand in foreign markets. The opening of this new supply route creates additional opportunities to increase exports and further promote the country’s agricultural produce abroad.
Turkmenistan and China have unveiled an AI robot capable of understanding the Turkmen language
17.04.2026The company ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’, in collaboration with the Chinese company ‘Inspur Group Co., Ltd’, is developing a robot equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities that supports the Turkmen language. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The prototype was unveiled at an international conference in Ashgabat marking the 20th anniversary of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector. The exhibition was visited by a representative of the Chinese Communist Party leadership and First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the PRC, Ding Xuexiang, who spoke positively about developments in robotics and the advancement of AI in the Turkmen language. The project is seen as one of the first steps towards the introduction of artificial intelligence in Turkmenistan and could form the basis for the sector’s further development. The company ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’, established in 2016 with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Turkmenistan, is engaged in high-tech manufacturing and cooperates with Chinese electronics manufacturers.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a two-day seminar
17.04.2026A two-day seminar on combating corruption as a foundation for economic stability took place in Ashgabat from 15 to 16 April. The event, organised by the OSCE Centre, aimed to analyse Turkmenistan’s legislation and bring it into line with international standards set by the UN, the OECD and the Council of Europe, according to the news agency Orient. The programme included both theoretical discussions and the analysis of practical case studies. Representatives from the Mejlis, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior and the Prosecutor General’s Office, together with an expert from Latvia, examined anti-corruption strategies, the identification of risks within state structures and approaches to assessing the effectiveness of measures. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, noted that a key element in the fight against corruption is strengthening the accountability of governance. Participants also studied the experience of EU and Central Asian countries in criminalising corruption offences to further improve institutions. Particular attention was paid to the educational aspect: the materials produced are planned to be incorporated into the training of future lawyers and diplomats. Lecturers note that studying international practices will help to train specialists who are focused on good governance standards right from the training stage.
A collection of works by an outstanding Turkmen composer has been published in Moscow
17.04.2026A collection of selected works for violin and piano by the Turkmen composer Nury Halmammedov has been published in Moscow. The publication was prepared by the ‘Sounds of Dutar’ Foundation as part of a project to publish rarely performed works and marks the 10th anniversary of the festival of the same name, reports IIC. The book includes the composer’s key works, edited by violinist Leonora Dmyterko, which represent the pinnacle of his violin legacy. The collection brings together both well-known and previously unpublished works, reflecting a synthesis of national traditions and the European musical school. A special place is given to a new transcription of the fantasia from the ballet ‘The Decisive Step’, adapted for the first time for violin and piano. The publication is aimed at professional musicians, students and lovers of instrumental music. Work on the project took several years and was Leonora Dmyterko’s final undertaking: the collection was published in March 2026, and the violinist passed away in April. It has been decided to dedicate the concert at ‘Mosconcert’ on 29 April to her memory and to the presentation of this publication.
An international conference entitled ‘Youth Scientific Research’ is taking place in Turkmenistan
17.04.2026On 16 April, with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages is hosting the online international scientific and practical conference ‘Youth Scientific Research’. This was reported by IIC. The event has been organised as part of the state policy in the field of science and education and the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education for 2026–2052. The conference comprises five sections covering issues of languages, linguistics, cultural interaction, teaching methods and translation. Participants are discussing the role of language in international relations, the humanities and intercultural communication. The forum is attended by students from Turkmenistan and representatives of universities from the UK, Germany, South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The best academic papers will be published in the online journal ‘Issues of Philology’. The conference aims to develop the academic potential of young people, improve educational technologies and strengthen international cooperation.
Experts from China visited Turkmenistan’s leading health resorts
17.04.2026A Chinese delegation led by Tang Zhishu, Rector of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, visited the ‘Arçman’ and ‘Ýyly Suw’ health resorts in Turkmenistan, as well as the Kow Ata underground lake. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The guests were introduced to the resorts’ natural therapeutic resources and their potential for health improvement. Experts paid particular attention to the natural environment, noting its high therapeutic value. At Kow Ata, the delegation was introduced to the unique features of the underground lake and cave complex. Following the visit, the participants spoke highly of the country’s health resort infrastructure.
‘Türkmengaz’ strengthens its partnership with CNPC
17.04.2026Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, summarised the results and outlined the prospects for cooperation with China. The statement was made at the International Scientific and Practical Conference marking the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership in the gas sector, reports AsmanNews. During the high-level plenary session, he noted that over this period, ‘Türkmengaz’ and CNPC had implemented large-scale projects. At the ‘Galkynysh’ field, three gas processing plants with a combined capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year have been built and commissioned as part of the first phase. The facilities are operating normally and meet domestic demand as well as supplying exports. A key milestone in the cooperation was the signing in 2007 of the Production Sharing Agreement for the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ contract area on the right bank of the Amu Darya. A modern production infrastructure was established as part of the project. Investments totalled US$10.7 billion and have been fully recouped. As of 1 April 2026, the Turkmen side’s revenue from the project exceeded US$19.2 billion. The project involves not only gas production but also the processing of hydrocarbon feedstock, including the production of gas condensate and industrial sulphur. Around 8,700 people work at ‘Bagtyyarlyk’, over 90% of whom are citizens of Turkmenistan. Staff training programmes are being implemented, including training at the China University of Petroleum. The implementation of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ project and the development of the ‘Bagtyyarlyk’ area have been identified as priorities for further cooperation. Particular attention is being paid to technological modernisation, including digitalisation and the introduction of modern management systems. As Maksat Babayev noted, CNPC remains a strategic partner of ‘Türkmengaz’, and the parties intend to deepen their cooperation. According to him, cooperation in the gas sector has contributed to the economic development and strengthening of the region’s energy security.
Turkmen fighter Yagshymuradov defeated Tyson Pedro in Belfast
17.04.2026Turkmen mixed martial arts fighter Dovletjan Yagshymuradov secured a victory over Frenchman Tyson Pedro at the PFL tournament held in Belfast (Northern Ireland). This was reported by IIC. The bout marked the athlete’s latest appearance on the international stage. In October 2025, at the PFL Road to Dubai tournament, Yagshymuradov lost to American Corey Anderson by judges’ decision. The victory in Belfast allowed him to bounce back from that defeat. Yagshymuradov’s professional record stands at 26 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw. For Tyson Pedro, this fight was his first since March 2024. On that occasion, he lost to Brazilian Vitor Petrino at UFC Fight Night 238. He has 10 wins and 6 losses to his name. The result of the fight has strengthened Yagshymuradov’s position in mixed martial arts.
A contract has been signed in Ashgabat for the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field
17.04.2026A contract for the turnkey development of phase IV of the ‘Galkynysh’ field has been signed in Ashgabat. The ceremony took place as part of the International Scientific and Practical Conference marking the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China in the gas sector, reports Turkmenportal. The document was signed by Maksat Babayev, Chairman of the ‘Türkmengaz’ State Concern, and Du Yumin, Chairman of ‘CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd.’ The ‘Galkynysh’ field is one of the largest in the world. It plays a significant role in shaping the country’s export potential. Its development is proceeding in stages as part of the long-term cooperation between Turkmenistan and China in the energy sector.
The Turkmen Ambassador to Japan discussed cooperation with ITOCHU
17.04.2026On 6 April, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, A. Bayramov, held a meeting with H. Tsubai, a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice-President of ITOCHU Corporation, President of the Machinery and Equipment Division, and Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Committee on Economic Cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ITOCHU Corporation’s projects in Turkmenistan and other issues of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japan-Turkmen Inter-governmental Committees on Economic Cooperation. It is scheduled to take place in December 2026 in Tokyo.
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