On the sidelines of the Wimbledon tournament, the Chairman of the Turkmenistan Tennis Federation (TTF), Eziz Dovletov, held talks with the President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), David Haggerty. The main topic of the meeting was the discussion of a draft memorandum of understanding between the TTF and the ITF aimed at strengthening cooperation in the development of tennis in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed issues related to the integration of Turkmen athletes into world tennis, increasing the number of professional coaches and attracting international experts to work with the national team. Special attention was paid to preparations for the ITF Level 2 regional training seminar in Ashgabat, which is scheduled for August this year at the Asian Regional Training Centre. The ITF President noted the significant successes of Turkmen tennis players, including the children's team reaching the final of the Asian Championships, the women's team finishing second in the Billie Jean King Cup and the impressive debut of the men's team at a prestigious world tournament. These achievements were made possible by consistent efforts to develop tennis in the country, including the recognition of the Olympic Town Tennis Complex as an Asian Regional Training Centre and the awarding of an ITF certificate to Turkmenistan for its contribution to the development of the sport.
Today, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myakhri Byashimova held a meeting with Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan Zhong Hua. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). During the discussion, the Turkmen side invited representatives of the Chinese delegation to participate in the Meeting of Women Leaders, which will be held within the framework of LLDC 3. This initiative highlights the important role of women in international diplomacy and the development of global cooperation. The meeting demonstrated the mutual interest of Turkmenistan and China in strengthening bilateral relations and working together in multilateral international forums.
On 11 July this year, the 12th meeting of the High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security between the European Union and Central Asian countries took place in Dushanbe. The meeting at the level of deputy foreign ministers brought together representatives of the European External Action Service and diplomats from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the IIC. During the talks, the parties discussed topical issues of regional and interregional cooperation, as well as topics of mutual interest. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Tajikistan A. Gochmyradov. The EU – Central Asia Dialogue serves as an important platform for strengthening cooperation in the field of security and political interaction between Europe and the countries of the region.
18-year-old Turkmen freestyle wrestler Alp Arslan Begenjov won bronze in the 79 kg weight category at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek among athletes under 20 years of age. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the match for third place, the Turkmen athlete confidently defeated Uzbek wrestler Jorullo Abdufattokhov with a score of 12:1. Earlier in June, at the Asian Youth Championships (under 23) in Vietnam, the Turkmen wrestler won silver in the same weight category. It is worth noting that Alp Arslan Begenjov became the first Turkmen wrestler to win gold at the World Youth Freestyle Wrestling Championships for athletes under 20 years of age. The tournament was held in September 2024 in Spain.
On 10–11 July, a seminar was held in Ashgabat to present the concept of a new UNDP regional project, ‘Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia.’ This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Government of Japan in partnership with the Ashgabat City Administration and the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including representatives of government agencies, international and scientific institutions involved in urban planning, sustainable development, climate and disaster risk reduction. Tomica Paovic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the importance of the project for the region, which is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and noted the need to build sustainable cities. Participants discussed the framework for a roadmap for the sustainable development of Ashgabat, the formation of a working group and the stages of project implementation. The project covers five countries in the region and will run until 2027, focusing on sustainable urban development and climate adaptation in the face of growing environmental threats.
In eastern Turkmenistan, on the slopes of the Koytendag Mountains, a record increase in the population of the markhor, a rare species listed in the International Red Book, has been recorded. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to data from the Koytendag Nature Reserve, in 2024, scientists counted 1,572 adult individuals, the highest number ever recorded. As noted by Shaniyaz Menliyev, head of the reserve's scientific department, this success was made possible by many years of conservation work. Strict protection measures have not only stabilised but also increased the markhor population. In 2024, nine countries initiated the establishment of International Markhor Day on 24 May as a sign of support for efforts to preserve the species. Living at altitudes of up to 3,500 metres, these rare animals play an important role in the ecosystem and are famous for their ability to move around rocky areas. The increase in numbers improves the chances of seeing them in the wild, and ecologists hope that the positive trend will continue.
Last week in Turkmenistan was marked by an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which summarised the economic results for the first half of 2025. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The country continues to develop steadily within the framework of the strategy of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the economy and improving the standard of living of the population. GDP grew by 6.3%, with particularly notable growth in the transport and communications (+10.8%), trade (+9.9%) and construction (+5.1%) sectors. Industrial production increased by 9.9% compared to the same period in 2024. State budget revenues amounted to 101.5%, while expenditures amounted to 97.6%. Average wages increased by 11.4%. More than half of the investments made were directed to social facilities. Almost 270,000 square metres of housing was built in the regions, and infrastructure and energy projects are continuing. In total, investments worth more than 17.8 billion manats were made in the first half of the year, 15.6% more than a year earlier. The agricultural sector saw growth in the production of grain, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. The country's grain farmers harvested over 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, fulfilling the grain delivery plan. The meeting also discussed preparations for the new academic year, university admission plans, the development of education and the construction of new educational facilities. One of the key decisions was the approval of a new version of the Programme of Social and Regional Reforms in Villages until 2028. Special attention was paid to preparations for upcoming international events, including the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Year of Peace and Trust Forum scheduled for December. The President stressed that consistent economic results create conditions for further development, strengthening of neutrality and international authority of Turkmenistan.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent congratulations to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of the national holiday, Bastille Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the positive dynamics in the development of bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and France, emphasising the desire to further strengthen and expand cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan wished Emmanuel Macron good health and happiness, and the French people peace, stability and prosperity.
On 13 July, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting of the State Organising Committee dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The event will take place from 4 to 8 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the meeting, issues related to the organisation of the event, the current state of affairs and upcoming tasks were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised the international significance of the forum and noted that the resolution on its holding was adopted by the UN General Assembly with the support of 57 states. Political, economic and humanitarian events are planned as part of the conference, including round tables, forums, exhibitions, national days of Central Asian countries and a cultural programme. Representatives of 32 countries, the UN, international organisations, the private sector and NGOs are expected to attend. Hero Arkadag gave instructions to ensure a high level of organisation: to complete construction and improvement works, prepare transport and hotels, ensure the safety and catering of delegations, organise cultural events and decorate the city. Special attention was paid to the work of volunteers and their uniform standards. At the end of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the participants success and inspected the infrastructure and design elements of the future forum.
On 12 July, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of children's health care. The Ambassador handed O. Atabayeva a letter on behalf of the Chairperson of the Board of the Belarusian Children's Fund Lyudmila Kondrashova, and a specially designed developmental complex for children. O. Atabayeva expressed her gratitude for the attention and the gift, which was handed over to the Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Arkadag city. The interlocutors expressed hope for the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Belarus.
A group of teachers and students from S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University went on a training internship to Uzbekistan. From 6 to 17 July, representatives of the faculties of hydromelioration and agricultural mechanisation are undergoing practical training at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers. This was reported by the online publication TerraNews. The internship was organised on the basis of a cooperation agreement signed between the universities in April 2018. The Turkmen delegation was warmly welcomed in Tashkent, where an educational and cultural programme was prepared for them. The main purpose of the trip is to consolidate theoretical knowledge in practice, exchange experience and strengthen academic ties. The participants familiarised themselves with the institute's educational, laboratory and sports facilities and visited the museum of agricultural history and agricultural machinery development. Experts from the host institution gave lectures on current issues in irrigation and mechanisation in the agricultural sector. In addition, Turkmen students visited scientific institutions, water management facilities and cultural attractions in Tashkent. They also studied digital educational solutions from ‘Smart Solutions System’. Earlier, from 25 June to 4 July, students from the Tashkent university underwent practical training at the Turkmen Agricultural University. Such exchange programmes contribute to the development of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation in the field of education and agricultural sciences, as well as the exchange of experience between specialists from the two countries.
Turkmenistan made a brilliant debut at the ‘Silk Way Rally – 2025’ international rally, completely dominating the podium in the T2 off-road category after the prologue. An 8 km special stage near Irkutsk became the arena for the undisputed victory of Turkmen athletes. This was reported by IIC. The leader was Meylis Abdullayev from the Turkmenistan Automobile Sports Federation team, who completed the track in 5 minutes and 50 seconds. Second place went to Maksatmyrat Danatarov, who was 1 minute and 25 seconds behind, noting the spectacular and dynamic nature of the track. Merdan Toylyev rounded out the top three, finishing 1 minute and 43 seconds behind the winner. Such a confident start by the Turkmen crews forced their competitors to think about their catch-up strategy. Complete domination in the T2 class in the first stage testifies to the excellent preparation of the team and gives an optimistic forecast for the rest of the race. The Silk Way Rally, which traditionally brings together the strongest drivers from around the world, could be a triumphant one for Turkmen motorsport this year. The successful performance at the start of the marathon gives hope that the country will be able to repeat this success in the subsequent stages of the prestigious competition.