News
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation met with the Director of RISI
13.07.2025On 11 July, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, met with Mihail Fradkov, Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISI), in Moscow. This was reported by the online publication Orient. According to the source, during the meeting, the interlocutors discussed a wide range of topical issues related to the development of Turkmen-Russian relations. Particular attention was paid to strengthening cooperation between the analytical centres of the two countries, which reflects a common interest in a deep and comprehensive study of the directions of bilateral partnership. The meeting between the Turkmen ambassador and Mihail Fradkov confirmed the mutual interest of Ashgabat and Moscow in expanding strategic dialogue and strengthening trust at the expert and state levels.
Turkmen teachers invited to international competition in Moscow
13.07.2025Russian language teachers from Turkmenistan are invited to participate in an international professional skills competition organised by the Pushkin Institute with the support of the ‘Russkiy Mir’ Foundation. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. The aim of the competition is to support and develop the professional skills of Russian language teachers abroad, as well as to strengthen humanitarian ties between the CIS countries and Southeast Asia. In addition to representatives from Turkmenistan, the event will also be attended by teachers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. The competition will be held in two stages: the online round will take place from 1 August to 5 September, and the final will be held from 15 to 21 October at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow. The winners will receive diplomas and an invitation to the VI Kostomarov Forum, which will be held in 2026. All participants will receive certificates. The award ceremony will take place during the XVII Assembly of the Russian World. The event aims to promote the Russian language and culture, as well as to develop an international professional community of teachers.
Turkmenistan institutes jubilee medal for 30th anniversary of country's neutrality
13.07.2025On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a law establishing a commemorative medal, ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’). The draft law was presented on 11 July at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, the establishment of the medal was initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The medal will be awarded for contributions to strengthening independence and international stability, as well as for achievements in politics, economics and culture.
A blitz chess tournament was held in Ashgabat in honour of France's National Day
13.07.2025A dynamic chess tournament was held at the French Institute in Ashgabat, bringing together fans of this intellectual game. The event, organised by the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the institute, was part of the celebrations of two significant dates — France's National Day and the upcoming World Chess Day. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The participants engaged in a fierce battle — over seven rounds, the chess players managed to play fast-paced games with a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move. The competitions in two age categories were of particular interest. Ahmet Janbekov won in the under-18 group, while Jasmine Rahmedova achieved the best result among the youngest participants (under 12). The winners and prize-winners received commemorative awards from the organisers and sponsors of the event. The tournament not only gave participants the opportunity to test their skills in rapid chess, but also strengthened the partnership between the French Institute and the Chess Federation, which have been successfully cooperating for two years in promoting the game.
Turkmenistan's economy demonstrates consistent growth
13.07.2025Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov presented a report on macroeconomic indicators for the first half of 2025 at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 11 July. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. GDP grew by 6.3%, industry by 1%, construction by 5.1%, transport and communications by 10.8%, trade by 9.9%, agriculture by 4.5% and services by 8.6%. Retail trade increased by 12.7% and foreign trade by 2.9%. The average wage in large and medium-sized enterprises rose by 11.4%, and social payments were financed in a timely manner. Capital investment increased by 15.6%. A draft of the new edition of the ‘National Programme for Improving the Social and Living Conditions of the Population until 2028’ was also presented. Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan Mammetguly Astanagulov reported on the execution of the state budget: revenues amounted to 101.5%, expenditures — 97.6%. Local budget revenues amounted to 102.6%, expenditures — 98.5%. The volume of investments amounted to 17.7% of GDP. Chairman of the State Committee for Statistics Dovletgeldi Amanmuhammedov reported on the growth of industrial production. Gas production reached almost 38.9 billion cubic metres, oil production — 491,500 tonnes. The production of cement, reinforcement, food products and cotton products increased significantly. In agriculture, there was growth in the production of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, meat and milk. The private sector also demonstrated steady growth. Chairman of the Central Bank Toyly Malikov reported an increase in lending. The volume of loans issued by private sector banks increased by 19%, and by 26.9% for farmers. Mortgage lending increased by 20.2%. After hearing the reports, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of continuing reforms, strengthening budget control and improving the effectiveness of investment and financial policy. The Head of State instructed to ensure the stability of the manat, develop the banking system and expand cooperation with international financial institutions. At the end of the meeting, Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Resolution ‘On the approval of the new edition of the National programme of the President of Turkmenistan for the transformation of social and living conditions of the population of villages, settlements, etrap cities and etrap centers for the period up to 2028’.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 13 laws and strengthened the country's legal framework
13.07.2025On 11 July, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on the work of the Mejlis during the first half of the year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During this period, 13 laws were adopted, including acts on the enactment of the laws ‘On the Approval and Enactment of the Civil Code of Turkmenistan’, ‘On the Court’, ‘On the Unified State Register of Voters’, ‘On Accession to the Relevant Protocol to the International Convention on Cargo Marks’. Amendments were also made to a number of existing laws concerning criminal, arbitration, civil, family and labour law, taxation, migration and other areas. Eleven resolutions were adopted. As part of educational activities, seminars were organised for students of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan with the participation of members of parliament. The Mejlis accepted the credentials of seven foreign ambassadors, held 32 meetings with foreign parliaments and international organisations, participated in 62 joint seminars and made 21 foreign trips. Separately, D. Gulmanova reported on the preparation of a draft law on the establishment of the ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) medal. The relevant law was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who emphasised the importance of further strengthening Turkmenistan's legislative framework.
Serdar Azmun arrived on a visit to Turkmenistan
13.07.2025Iranian national team and UAE club ‘Shabab Al-Ahli’ striker Serdar Azmun has arrived in Ashgabat. He posted a photo from Magtymguly Pyragy Park on social media with the caption ‘Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.’ This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. S. Azmun joined ‘Shabab Al-Ahli’ in July 2024. Last season, the 30-year-old forward played 39 matches, scored 26 goals and made 10 assists. The team won the UAE championship, the Super Cup and the President's Cup, as well as finishing runners-up in the League Cup and reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. Azmun previously played for Russian clubs ‘Zenit’, ‘Rostov’ and ‘Rubin’, as well as German club ‘Bayer’ and Italian club ‘Roma’. His transfer value is currently estimated at €8 million, although at the peak of his career at ‘Zenit’ it reached €25 million. The footballer was last in Ashgabat in March 2024 for a 2026 World Cup qualifier between Turkmenistan and Iran. The head coach of the Iranian national team, Amir Ghalenoei, noted Azmun's special connection with the Turkmen people.
‘Awaza AI’ virtual assistant created for UN forum participants in Turkmenistan
13.07.2025The ‘Awaza AI’ virtual assistant was presented for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This innovative tool was developed with the support of the country's government and will help participants quickly obtain information about the forum. ‘Awaza AI’ provides data on the programme, speakers, logistics and other organisational details, supporting participants in real time. The programme includes plenary sessions, round tables and events with the participation of UN member states, NGOs and businesses. There will also be exhibitions on sustainable development, trade, transport, technology and climate. Separate sessions will be dedicated to youth, women leaders and civil society. Advance accreditation is required to participate.
Turkmenistan's foreign policy: dynamics and key visits
13.07.2025Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the results of the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan for the first half of 2025 during a government meeting on 11 July. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country continues to consistently pursue a policy of neutrality, developing friendly and constructive relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats. In January-June 2025, the President of Turkmenistan made a number of important visits to Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan and Mongolia. Turkmenistan also received high-ranking foreign guests, including representatives of international organisations and financial institutions. During this period, more than 1,800 negotiations and meetings with foreign partners were held, and 97 international documents were signed. Bilateral consultations and contacts with the EU and other international structures are actively developing. Considerable attention is being paid to strengthening diplomatic relations through a network of embassies. After hearing the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised that Turkmenistan will continue its foreign policy activities aimed at strengthening cooperation in politics, economics, culture and science. The Head of State also noted that 2025 has been declared by the UN as the International Year of Peace and Trust, instructing the Foreign Affairs Ministry to organize relevant international events in the country.
Turkmenistan and Russia strengthen strategic partnership
13.07.2025A working meeting between Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, and Mihail Fradkov, Director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISI), took place in the Russian capital. During the talks, the parties conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-Russian relations. This was reported by the IIC. During the meeting, the parties discussed deepening the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia, developing cooperation between the expert and analytical communities of the two countries, joint approaches to current issues on the regional and global agenda, and prospects for scientific and research cooperation. Special attention was paid to the role of expert dialogue in strengthening bilateral relations. Mihail Fradkov noted the importance of regular exchanges of views between analytical centres in Turkmenistan and Russia in order to develop coordinated positions on key issues of international politics. The Turkmen ambassador emphasised that Turkmen-Russian relations have a solid foundation and significant potential for further development in all areas. He expressed readiness to intensify cooperation between relevant research institutes of the two countries.
Friendship Festival brings peoples together ahead of LLDC 3 conference in ‘Avaza’
13.07.2025In anticipation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will take place in August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Turkmenistan is preparing a rich cultural programme. The key element of the programme will be the Festival of Friendship, aimed at strengthening international ties through art, according to the news website TerraNews. The idea of holding the festival was presented by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who announced it during a working trip to the Balkan velayat. The programme of the event includes performances by foreign artists and is dedicated to the themes of peace, sustainable development and international trust. The festival will serve as a symbolic accompaniment to the forum and an expression of Turkmenistan's commitment to cultural diplomacy and the development of inter-state dialogue.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
12.07.2025Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the successful implementation of programmes over the past six months in his speech at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that GDP growth amounted to 6.3%, capital investments increased by 15.6% and reached 17.8 billion manats. In the country, 269,700 square metres of housing were put into operation, and the construction of social and industrial facilities continues. The economy is developing steadily, export potential is growing, and digital technologies are being actively introduced. The President of Turkmenistan stressed the importance of the UN International Year of Peace and Trust, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The second half of the year will be filled with international events, including the forum of the International Year of Peace and Trust, which will be held on 12 December, and the celebration of Turkmenistan's independence and neutrality. Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to prepare for the next meeting of the Halk Maslahaty and to establish an organising committee. The Head of State instructed the Heads of all ministries and sectoral departments to hold meetings on 12 July to review the results of the first half of the year and authorised the heads of departments to do so. The President of Turkmenistan also announced a meeting of the State Organising Committee, which will be chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on 13 July in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the forum will enhance Turkmenistan's international authority and reaffirmed his commitment to the policy of neutrality and openness.
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