The International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has secured the rights to a number of promising developments focused on the development of the ‘green’ economy and high-tech industries. This was reported by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Cooperation with government agencies remains a key area of activity for the Technopark. Today, the institution acts as a partner to the country's ministries and departments, providing scientific and research support for projects and promoting the introduction of innovative solutions in the industrial and social spheres. The portfolio of patented developments includes a number of promising technologies. Among them is a nanoemulsion composition based on Kopetdag wormwood essential oil, which opens up opportunities for expanding the use of local plant raw materials in medicine and pharmacology. An organo-mineral sulphur polymer concrete composite based on industrial waste has also been patented. The technology is aimed at improving the moisture protection of engineering structures and the rational processing of secondary resources. Another development is an organo-mineral fertiliser made from brown coal, intended for the agro-industrial complex. The product is aimed at restoring soil fertility, improving environmental safety and reducing import dependence in the field of agrochemistry. New solutions are currently in the patenting stage. These include a lactose gel for comprehensive correction of age-related skin changes, created as part of biotechnological research, as well as a bionanocomposite material based on cyanobacteria, combining the achievements of biology and materials science. As noted, the granting of state patents and certificates confirms the applied potential of Turkmen science and its contribution to the modernisation of the national economy. It is expected that further cooperation between the Technopark and relevant agencies will contribute to the accelerated introduction of innovations.
During Ramadan, diplomatic missions of Muslim countries in Turkmenistan hold traditional evening meals called iftars. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. On 19 February, an iftar was organised by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Ashgabat under the leadership of UAE Ambassador Ahmed Al Hameli. Similar events were previously held by the Embassy of Libya and, on 23 February, by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Each iftar is accompanied by a joint prayer led by the country's mufti or a representative of the Muftiate of Turkmenistan, emphasising the spiritual significance of the event. Iftars are expected to be held at other embassies in the near future. These meetings traditionally bring together diplomats, government officials and the public, strengthening intercultural ties and friendship between countries.
Parahat Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to China, held a meeting with Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade, transport, logistics and the humanitarian sphere. The Ambassador highlighted the wide range of activities of the SCO and the high level of interaction with Turkmenistan. The Diplomat also spoke about the events planned for 2026 and preparations for the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. In turn, the SCO Secretary General expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, and warmly recalled his meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
A meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government will be held on 22 May in Ashgabat. This was announced by First Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Igor Petrishenko at a meeting of permanent representatives in Minsk. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. There are 11 items on the agenda, the key ones of which concern economic cooperation, transport corridors, digitalisation and congress and exhibition activities. There are also plans to consider a decision on granting Minsk the status of CIS Youth Capital in 2027. At the same time, the CIS is completing the three-year plan to update the regulatory framework and is developing new mechanisms for coordination between national agencies. Particular attention is being paid to security issues and the implementation of initiatives by Heads of State. In addition, the CIS will send an observer mission to Kazakhstan to monitor the referendum on constitutional changes scheduled for 15 March. The mission headquarters will begin work in the near future.
From 19 to 22 August 2026, Ashgabat will host the ‘Kids Expo 2026’ International Exhibition, which will bring together leading brands, distributors and innovative service providers in the field of goods for children and families. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The organisers are the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and ‘TurkmenExpo’, which gives the event international status. ‘Kids Expo 2026’ will become a strategic platform for entering the Central Asian market and strengthening business ties in the children's goods segment. Participants will be able to sign contracts with retailers and receive feedback from end consumers. The main focus is on innovation and high-quality products, including educational technologies, digital entertainment and goods for a safe and comfortable lifestyle for children. For international businesses, ‘Kids Expo 2026’ opens up opportunities to form distribution networks and direct agreements with retail chains, educational centres and service companies, ensuring rapid integration into the local market. The exhibition includes key segments: • Fashion & Style — clothing, footwear and accessories for children; • Education & Future — educational technologies and teaching materials; • Baby Care & Safety — baby care products and safety systems; • Play & Development — educational games and multimedia content; • Living & Space — furniture and design solutions for children's rooms; • Sport, Health & Leisure — sports and wellness products. The programme combines the exhibition with networking, B2B negotiations, presentations and interactive workshops. Visa and logistical support, technical support for stands and the organisation of business meetings are provided for foreign participants.
A concert entitled ‘Melodies of the Silk Road — A Joyful Spring Festival’ was held in Ashgabat to mark the Chinese New Year. This was reported by IIC. The event was held at the ‘Mukam’ Palace of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan and was aimed at developing humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the PRC. The festive programme began with themed events in the foyer, where guests were introduced to Chinese cultural traditions and took part in master classes on calligraphy and painting national masks. The highlight of the evening was a joint concert by the Chinese art group ‘Touchroad’ and the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan. The programme featured music played on traditional Chinese instruments, folk songs and dances, as well as excerpts from Beijing Opera and the Sichuan Opera show ‘Face Changing’. The classical section featured works by Nury Halmammedov, and the finale consisted of joint performances by Chinese soloists and the Turkmen orchestra, culminating in the composition ‘China in the Lights.’
A master class was held at the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan by Professor David Pommerenke from the Institute of Electronics at Graz University of Technology in Austria. The event was attended by young teachers and students studying in the fields of ‘Physics of Modern Technologies’, ‘Electronics and Nanoelectronics’ and ‘Biomedical Electronics’. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the class, the professor spoke in detail about methods for measuring and converting electrical signals, measuring radio signal power in real time, polarisation, and directional diagrams. Particular attention was paid to combining theoretical lectures with practical work, which allowed participants to gain skills in working with modern devices and technologies. At the end of the master class, there was an exchange of views: students and teachers asked the professor questions and expressed their gratitude for his valuable recommendations and practical advice. The event was organised within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology and Graz University of Technology. The cooperation covers joint research and educational projects, scientific and practical conferences, working meetings, internships and study visits. Such interaction contributes to the improvement of the national science and education system, the introduction of advanced international experience and the training of highly qualified specialists in the field of engineering and technology.
On 23 February, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan held a meeting with a delegation led by Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of the European Investment Bank's Division for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific, who arrived in the country on a working visit. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties expressed interest in further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. It was reported that the main purpose of the delegation's two-day visit was to hold final negotiations on the draft Framework Agreement between Turkmenistan and the EIB. It was noted that the relevant ministry had reviewed the document over the past year and this year and submitted its proposals. Confidence was expressed that the final version of the agreement would be agreed during the current visit. Among the priority areas of cooperation with the EIB is the transport sector, in particular the financing of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the creation of which is intended to increase the interconnectedness of Central Asian and European countries. The progress of the Roadmap for the digitalisation of the corridor within the framework of the SPECA Programme was also noted. Special attention was paid to digital transformation and the development of energy and water management. It was emphasised that, along with the diversification of the fuel and energy complex, Turkmenistan is systematically working to develop environmentally friendly ‘green’ energy. In this regard, broad prospects for the participation of European banks in the implementation of sustainable energy projects were noted. The Turkmen side also emphasised the importance of developing agriculture and the rational use of water resources, including cooperation with the EIB on the construction of irrigation facilities and the introduction of high-tech equipment. It was noted that, with its significant hydrocarbon reserves, the country is interested in projects for their extraction and deep processing. Following the meeting, confidence was expressed in the further effective development of the partnership between Turkmenistan and the European Investment Bank.
On 23 February, political consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Zimbabwe took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The delegations were led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Serdar Muhammetdurdyev and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe Albert Ranganai Chimbindi. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to intensifying political and diplomatic dialogue. Interest in developing contacts at the highest and high levels, regular inter-ministerial consultations and strengthening inter-parliamentary ties was confirmed. They exchanged views on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. They confirmed their readiness for further cooperation within international structures, including the United Nations, and for mutual support for initiatives in multilateral forums. Opportunities for expanding trade and economic partnership were considered. The potential for cooperation in energy, agriculture, textiles and other industries was noted. The advisability of intensifying contacts between business circles, holding joint business forums and participating in exhibitions and fairs was emphasised. In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the parties expressed interest in developing cooperation in the fields of education, sports and tourism, as well as in expanding direct contacts between relevant institutions. Following the meeting, a Protocol on Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe was signed.
On 23 February, under the chairmanship of Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, a regular meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Implementation of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law was held. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of relevant ministries and departments, the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and public organisations. The participants summarised the Commission's work for 2025 and set priorities for 2026. They noted the strengthening of Turkmenistan's cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, the development of dialogue with the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the International Labour Organisation and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The implementation of the Roadmap for cooperation with the International Labour Organisation was considered separately. It was decided to extend its validity until the end of 2026. The completion of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality for 2021-2025 was also reported. Drafts of new plans for 2026–2030 have been prepared, taking into account the recommendations of UN treaty bodies, the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and the Sustainable Development Goals. During the meeting, issues related to improving the work of the Commission, enhancing the quality of national reports and further developing cooperation with international partners were discussed.
Turkmenistan and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) discussed prospects for cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Cooperation issues were discussed at a meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and ESCAP Deputy Executive Secretary Shombi Sharp. In addition, the meeting discussed sustainable development issues in the context of implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Earlier, Sharp noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and ESCAP is entering a new phase of targeted implementation in key areas, including trade, transport and energy connectivity, energy transition and digitalisation.
On 20 February, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan held a formal reception in honour of the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's state authorities, diplomats and international organisations. The official part of the event was opened by British Ambassador Stephen Conlon and Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov. In their welcoming speeches, they noted the active development of bilateral cooperation in politics, economics and culture, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between nations. The evening included a reading of Robert Burns' poetry, Scottish ‘Ceili’ dancing and a presentation of the national dish ‘Haggis’, symbolising the Scottish spirit. The event demonstrated the role of the embassy in promoting British culture and strengthening trust between the countries.