News
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Director of the Qatar Institute of Diplomacy
29.01.2026On 27 January, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Qatar, held a meeting with Abdulaziz bin Mohamed Al-Horr, Director of the Institute of Diplomacy of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Qatar. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the conversation, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan announced that 2026 has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan. According to the Head of the diplomatic mission, international events and scientific conferences are planned in connection with the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. In addition, the parties discussed issues related to expanding their partnership and preparing new joint programmes within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Institute of Diplomacy of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Qatar.
Turkmenistan and Canada launch joint projects in the field of journalism
29.01.2026A meeting was held at the International Information Centre (IIC) of Turkmenistan between Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, and Christopher Duggan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Turkmenistan (residing in Astana). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the launch of joint projects in the field of media development, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in journalism, academic exchanges and capacity building for the media in Central Asia. A key area of focus will be cooperation between the ‘HEC Montréal’ business school and Turkmen universities — Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan — which will include educational events and visits by Canadian teachers. Special attention was paid to environmental journalism and the training of young professionals with the participation of the United Nations University for Water Resources, as well as the launch of subregional media initiatives in collaboration with TVTM. The central event will be Media Week in Ashgabat, dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and podcasting. The agreements reached continue the cooperation that began during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Canada in August 2025 and are aimed at expanding access for Turkmen specialists to advanced international practices.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan presented certificates to participants of English language courses
28.01.2026On 27 January, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held a ceremony to award certificates to deputies and parliamentary specialists who had completed advanced training courses in English. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The training was organised jointly by the US Embassy in Turkmenistan and the American company ‘QED Group LLC’. The course programme was aimed at developing the participants' language and communication skills, as well as expanding their opportunities in the field of international and inter-parliamentary cooperation. The ceremony was attended by Elizabeth Rood, US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, who noted the relevance of learning English and the prospects for continuing similar educational projects.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan increased trade turnover by 20% in 2025
28.01.2026In 2025, the volume of mutual trade between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan grew by approximately 20% as a result of expanding the range of products supplied. This was reported by Vafo Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Diplomat, the growth in trade turnover reflects the strengthening of trade and economic ties and the interest of business circles in both countries in developing mutually beneficial cooperation. V. Niyatbekzoda also emphasised that relations between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are characterised by a high level of trust and good neighbourliness. In 2025, the countries celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which during this time have reached the level of a deep strategic partnership. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan actively interact in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres, and also cooperate within international organisations, including the UN, OSCE, CIS and others.
Universities in Turkmenistan and Qatar develop scientific and academic cooperation
28.01.2026On 26 January, a delegation led by Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi, President of the University of Doha for Science and Technology (Qatar), visited the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan as part of a working visit to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding on scientific and academic cooperation was signed between the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan and Doha University of Science and Technology. The document aims to develop cooperation between universities in the field of science and education. On the same day, the Rector of the Qatari university gave a lecture to teachers and students, talked about the scientific and academic activities of the university and answered questions from the audience. The delegation also familiarised itself with the scientific projects and programme developments of the institute and visited the museum of the educational institution. On 27 January, the delegation from Doha University of Science and Technology visited the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan. The parties held consultations on cooperation in the field of science and education and discussed the training of specialists in accordance with international standards. The Qatari side expressed particular interest in cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, e-sports, robotics and electronics. The prospects for signing a Memorandum of Understanding and a student exchange agreement were also discussed. During the visit, the Qatari delegation met with Turkmenistan's Minister of Education, J. Gurbangeldiyev. The parties discussed priority areas and plans for joint work, confirming their mutual interest in developing scientific and academic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar.
Ashgabat prepares to host CIS Railway Transport Council meeting
28.01.2026Ashgabat is preparing to host the 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This was reported on the website of the ‘Demirýollary’ Joint Stock Company of the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan. The agenda of the meeting includes issues related to the implementation of decisions made at previous meetings, indicators and efficiency of international freight and passenger transport, as well as the formation of schedules for passenger, freight and container trains. Participants will also discuss pricing policy and the procedure for mutual settlements between railway administrations. Earlier, Deputy Minister of Rail Transport of Turkmenistan S. Nurberdiyev said at the SPECA economic forum in Ashgabat that the country is working to develop the region as a transport hub and invites partners to participate in logistics projects.
The ‘Nusay’ brand presented a series of products for the match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’
28.01.2026On 11 February, FC ‘Arkadag’ will play a match against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, for which Cristiano Ronaldo plays, in Ashgabat. Ahead of the match, a special series of products has been produced at the Turkmenbashi Textile Complex, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Under the ‘Nusay’ brand, T-shirts made from Turkmen cotton with the ‘Arkadag’ FC logo and the motto of the year are being produced here. The products are being released specifically for the upcoming match. The Textile Complex notes that ‘Nusay’ does not only produce products for specific sporting events. The company produces clothing with FIFA and UFC symbols, as well as sports suits for professional athletes and amateurs. The complex's production cycle covers all stages, from processing cotton supplied from the country's velayats to sewing finished products. The process uses a thread starching technology to increase fabric strength. The dyeing shop can use up to 12 colour templates simultaneously. The company's capacity also allows it to produce home textiles, including combined pyjamas made of knitwear and calico. The entire production complex, covering an area of 230,000 square metres, operates in three shifts and includes five interconnected production facilities. Finished products undergo quality control at every stage. ‘Nusay’ brand products are sold in brand stores, the ‘Altyn Asyr’ Shopping Centre, and through the Nusay-shop online store.
Turkmenistan expands use of biological plant protection methods
28.01.2026In Turkmenistan, 370 biological farms have begun work on breeding entomophagous insects to protect agricultural crops from pests. This was reported by Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Since mid-winter, biofactories, enterprises and laboratories, both state-owned and privately owned, have begun breeding beneficial insects. The main types of entomophages are lacewings and habrobracon. They are used to protect cotton at various stages of its development. Biological methods are used in conjunction with agrotechnical measures. The main pests remain spider mites, cotton bollworms, tobacco thrips and aphids, which affect plants at all stages of growth. To reduce the number of pests, plant residues are removed after harvesting and deep ploughing is carried out. During the growing season, along with insecticides and fungicides, organo-mineral fertilisers are used to increase the resistance of plants to diseases. All plant protection products are registered with the State Commission and tested for effectiveness, taking into account the soil and climatic conditions of Turkmenistan.
Representatives of Turkmenistan's universities are improving their qualifications in the UK
28.01.2026From 25 to 31 January, representatives of the education sector in Turkmenistan are attending advanced training courses for heads of higher education institutions in Central Asia in Cambridge (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The training is organised as part of the AELLCA Phase II project to improve the quality of English language teaching in Central Asia. The programme was developed for the management of higher education institutions in the participating countries in collaboration with the Cambridge University Press and Assessment Department and is based on the PRESETT (Pre-Service English Teacher Training) programme. On the first day of the visit, the opening ceremony of the training programme took place. This was followed by the first training module on leadership in implementing English language teaching reforms within the framework of PRESETT. Participants discussed issues related to planning educational changes and monitoring their implementation, and learned about Cambridge University's practices in modernising curricula and expanding the use of English. The main goal of the Turkmen delegation's participation is to develop management and leadership competencies within the PRESETT system. The programme also includes studying international experience in teacher training, modern approaches to curriculum development and assessment systems, and the use of digital technologies in education. The study visit to Cambridge continues.
Turkmenistan and Canada discussed expanding bilateral cooperation
28.01.2026On 27 January, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Christopher Duggan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Turkmenistan (resident in Astana). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding constructive dialogue. During the talks, the importance of regular political and diplomatic contacts was emphasised, and the similarity of approaches to a number of pressing international issues was noted. Trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were identified as priority areas for cooperation. The interlocutors also noted the positive experience of interaction on international platforms and expressed their readiness to continue the practice of mutual support for initiatives within the framework of the United Nations. In order to intensify bilateral ties, the possibility of holding inter-ministerial consultations in 2026 was considered, and the need to improve the legal framework was discussed.
The ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku strengthen their logistical partnership
28.01.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Parahat Jumayev, Director of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, on a working visit to Azerbaijan, held talks with Eldar Salahov, Director of Baku International Sea Port LLC. The meeting was also attended by Gurbanmammet Elyasov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the consistent strengthening of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, paying particular attention to the development of logistical cooperation between the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku (Alyat). It was emphasised that cooperation is aimed at increasing cargo traffic across the Caspian Sea, developing the Middle Corridor and expanding transport links against the backdrop of growing mutual trade. In recent years, the parties have intensified their efforts to increase transport volumes and simplify cross-border and customs procedures. The reduction in tariffs for sea and rail services has contributed to the growth of multimodal transport and an increase in transit container transshipment. The development of the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku (Alyat) is aimed at transforming them into key logistics hubs in the Caspian region, serving international ‘East-West’ corridors. The main route between the two ports provides transshipment of oil, various cargoes and railway cars. After modernisation, the port of Turkmenbashi has become a major transport hub, while the port of Baku in Alyat continues to expand its infrastructure and strengthen its position in freight and passenger transport. Special attention is paid to the development of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea international transit and transport corridor, including the prospects for increasing cargo traffic through the ports of Turkmenbashi, Baku, Poti, Batumi and Constanta. The importance of expanding cooperation with all interested parties, including the European Union, was emphasised. The meeting participants also discussed issues related to establishing effective information exchange to improve coordination within international transport routes.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reviewed the progress of construction in the city of Arkadag
28.01.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city of Arkadag and familiarised himself with the progress of construction of facilities within the framework of the second phase of development. During the visit, Hero Arkadag inspected the modernised avenue, bridges and road transport infrastructure facilities, and held a working meeting with responsible officials, according to the state news agency TDH. Early in the morning, Hero Arkadag visited the bridge at the intersection of Geokdepe and Akhan avenues. Issues related to the strength of the supports, the quality of the structures and the accounting of freight traffic were discussed. Recommendations were made on the improvement of the surrounding area and the creation of green zones in accordance with modern requirements. The National Leader of the Turkmen people then headed to the central part of the city and familiarised himself with the construction of the second phase of residential buildings. Particular attention was paid to equipping educational institutions and medical centres with digital systems and modern technologies. The working meeting was attended by the Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, D. Orazov, and the Mayor of Arkadag, G. Mammedova. The pace of construction, the introduction of a digital system and the implementation of the second phase of development were discussed. It was reported that more than 220 social, cultural and industrial facilities are being built as part of the second phase, including schools, kindergartens and apartment buildings with 5, 7 and 9 floors. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need to comply with international standards, effectively use global practices and take into account the opinions of residents when designing and finishing residential buildings. The importance of functional equipment for educational institutions was noted. The city's mayor reported on preparations for the upcoming holidays and the progress of residents' relocation to new homes. During the meeting, the need to speed up work, improve organisation, and strengthen control over the city's amenities and sanitary conditions was noted. It was emphasised that all construction work must be carried out with high quality and within the established deadlines. At the end of the visit, the Hero Arkadag wished the meeting participants success in accomplishing their tasks and departed from the venue.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
