News
Turkmenistan’s basketball team has got off to a successful start in the Nations League
22.08.2026Turkmenistan’s men’s and women’s under-23 national teams secured victories over their Qatari counterparts in their opening matches of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 international tournament in Singapore. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The men’s team beat their opponents 15–9, whilst the women’s team won 21–6. The matches took place on the first day of the group stage of the Asia West/Pacific conference. The tournament in Singapore is taking place from 20 to 26 August, with teams from Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan taking part. In the preliminary stage, the Turkmenistan national teams are also set to face the Australian teams. The winner of the regional conference will qualify for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, which will take place in September in the Chinese city of Hubei.
The 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council will take place in Ashgabat
22.08.2026On 11 September 2026, the 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place in Ashgabat. The meeting will take place as part of the Action Plan for the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Presidency of the CIS and in accordance with the decision of the Economic Council of 26 June this year, reports IIC of Turkmenistan. The draft agenda includes 28 items, some of which will subsequently be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. Participants will discuss strategic plans for the development of transport security, concepts for industrial cooperation in high-tech sectors, as well as a number of financial and organisational initiatives. As part of the preparations for the meeting, a delegation from the CIS Executive Committee, led by Deputy Secretary-General Ilkhom Nematov, visited Ashgabat. During meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, the parties discussed the readiness of regulatory documents, the programme of events and the organisational arrangements for the meeting. The delegation also inspected the venues selected for the meeting; following the visit, the parties signed a protocol on further coordination of actions. The parties noted that holding the Economic Council meeting in Turkmenistan would give impetus to the development of partnership relations between the CIS countries and would enable decisions to be taken on key issues of regional cooperation.
The development of children’s chess was discussed at the ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
22.08.2026The international trade fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ is taking place in Ashgabat, featuring leading Turkmen and international organisations showcasing children’s products, as well as methods for upbringing, education and intellectual development. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Intellectual sports occupy a special place at the exhibition. The forum’s guest of honour — International Grandmaster and Vice President of the Sri Lankan Chess Federation, Luxman Wijesuriya — shared his impressions with a correspondent from ‘Golden age’. The expert spoke highly of the standard of training among Turkmen chess players and the country’s national chess traditions. ‘Turkmenistan has one of the strongest chess schools. A whole generation of high-class grandmasters has emerged in the country, while Turkmen chess players themselves have their own unique culture of play, formed over many years, and a distinctive style. If we compare sporting strength at the highest level, Turkmen athletes undoubtedly demonstrate excellent preparation and the highest results. We sincerely admire this level and express our deep respect for your masters,’ noted Luxman Wijesuriya. According to him, the key factor in the development of chess in Sri Lanka has been its accessibility and promotion amongst children. ‘Chess is also developing very dynamically in Sri Lanka. Our secret lies in the fact that we have placed an emphasis on children’s education. Today, we have around 200,000 active chess players. It is through children’s clubs and school sections that the foundation for future victories is formed,’ explained the guest from Sri Lanka. The federation’s Vice President noted that the ‘Kids Expo’ could serve as a platform for exchanging experience and undertaking joint projects between countries. ‘We see enormous potential for joint work and are sincerely pleased with the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan. Combining the experience of the Turkmen grandmaster chess school with our experience in the mass involvement of children in chess can bring wonderful results. Forums such as “Kids Expo” prove that investment in the intellectual development of children is an investment in the successful future of our countries,’ concluded Luxman Wijesuriya.
Turkmenistan is boosting its appeal to investors
22.08.2026International investor interest in Turkmenistan goes beyond the traditional perception of the country as a supplier of hydrocarbons — this view was expressed by Leandro Slovinski, Global Editorial Director of the international publication ‘The Investor’, ahead of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘For many years, Turkmenistan was viewed internationally primarily through the lens of its hydrocarbon resources. Today, that perspective is broadening considerably,’ Slovinski noted in an interview with the editorial team of ‘Golden age’. According to him, foreign investors are increasingly exploring opportunities not only in the energy sector, but also in industry, infrastructure, logistics, digitalisation and private sector development. A special issue of ‘The Investor’ on Turkmenistan, published in 2025, generated considerable interest among readers, and the editorial team is currently preparing a new edition on this topic. The expert highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s long-term partnerships with international companies – 20 years of cooperation with CNPC in the gas sector and 30 years of PETRONAS’s operations in the country. In April, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynyş’ field development began, involving the construction of wells and a complex with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres of marketable gas per year; the project is expected to create over a thousand permanent jobs. ‘Institutional investors do not respond to marketing narratives; they respond to evidence of long-term direction, economic stability and implementation,’ emphasised Slovinski. The ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline is also attracting growing attention from investors. According to data from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, published in July, 101 kilometres of pipeline have been laid on the Afghan section and 126 kilometres of the route have been prepared. Slovinski believes that the project has the potential to become part of an economic corridor linking Central and South Asia, and that the transition from planning to implementation is an important signal for investors. According to the expert, Turkmenistan’s hydrocarbon sector is increasingly being viewed by investors not only as a source of export revenue, but also as a foundation for economic diversification – the development of the oil and gas chemicals industry, refining, industrial production, logistics, infrastructure and digital technologies. Congratulating Turkmenistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence, Slovinski wished the country peace, prosperity and further success in economic development and international cooperation. According to him, over the past years the country has built a large-scale infrastructure and established long-term relationships with international companies, and the next stage involves harnessing this potential to develop industry, produce high value-added goods and foster private enterprise. The investment agenda will be one of the topics at the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2026’ (OGT 2026), which will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October. Slovinski, who has previously attended the forum, described OGT as one of the region’s leading energy platforms, bringing together representatives of government bodies, international companies, investors and technology providers. The forum’s programme covers investment, infrastructure, new export corridors, gas monetisation, the development of the oil and gas chemical industry, and the reduction of methane emissions. The previous, anniversary edition of OGT brought together over 1,400 delegates from more than 70 countries.
The ‘Galkynyş’ group will represent Turkmenistan at the championship in the Netherlands
21.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is preparing to take part in the World Equestrian Games and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which will be held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The national equestrian troupe ‘Galkynyş’, established in 2007, is taking part in the preparations. The troupe has repeatedly won prizes at international circus festivals in Russia, Italy, China, Monaco and other countries. As part of the preparations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, observed the group’s training sessions and wished them every success in the upcoming competitions. Horse breeding and equestrian sports are flourishing in Turkmenistan, whilst the traditions of horse breeding and horse riding are being preserved. Modern equestrian centres operate in Ashgabat and all the velayats. Every year, on the last Sunday in April, the National Day of the Turkmen Horse is celebrated.
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan held political consultations
21.08.2026On 20 August 2026, political consultations took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the bilateral agenda and issues relating to the further development of political and diplomatic cooperation. They noted the effectiveness of cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. The Republic of Tajikistan has co-sponsored more than 30 resolutions adopted on the initiative of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation and the growth in trade turnover. Prospects for cooperation in the energy, transport and communications sectors, as well as in agriculture, trade and investment, were discussed. The intensification of economic partnership was noted. This year, Dushanbe hosted the 14th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and the second meeting of the Turkmen-Tajik Business Council. The parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation and joint initiatives for the near future. Following the consultations, both sides reaffirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen friendly Turkmen-Tajik relations. On the same day, a Programme of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2027–2028 was signed.
Turkmenistan and the IOM discussed cooperation on migration
21.08.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, met with Pär Liljert, Director of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Office to the UN in New York. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed current cooperation and identified priorities for further collaboration. They also exchanged views on regional developments and trends, humanitarian issues and the management of migration processes. During the meeting, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its interest in continuing to cooperate with UN agencies on migration-related matters.
FC ‘Ahal’ has been informed of the AFC Challenge League fixture list
21.08.2026The Asian Football Confederation has approved the fixtures for the group stage of the 2026/27 AFC Challenge League. Turkmenistan’s ‘Ahal’ will compete in Group A of the ‘West’ zone, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The group’s matches will be played in a centralised format in Bhutan. The team’s opponents will be Lebanon’s ‘Al Ansar’, Syria’s ‘Al-Ittihad’ and the tournament hosts, ‘Paro’. The eight strongest clubs will progress to the play-offs. The knockout matches will begin in spring 2027. ‘Ahal’ fixtures: 17 October – ‘Ahal’ vs ‘Paro’; 20 October – ‘Al-Ittihad’ vs ‘Ahal’; 25 October – ‘Ahal’ vs ‘Al Ansar’.
A round-table discussion was held at the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan in Mashhad
21.08.2026On 19 August, a round-table discussion was held at the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan in Mashhad, dedicated to the forthcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, adopted on the initiative of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Before the event began, participants viewed an exhibition of books by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as works of art and photographic material on the country’s historical and cultural heritage. The round-table discussion was attended by representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, the magazines ‘Magtymguly adyndaky’ and ‘Gülistan ykdysady’, the news agencies ‘Ülkämiz’ and ‘Sedaýe Gonbad’, the cultural and healthcare sectors, as well as staff from the Consulate-General of Turkmenistan. Participants highlighted the significance of the upcoming session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, which is to take place on 23 September in Ashgabat. The session is scheduled to review the country’s domestic and foreign policy developments and set long-term priorities. Particular attention was paid to the initiative by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. The relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly was adopted with the co-sponsorship of 78 states. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on promoting Turkmenistan’s peace-seeking initiatives and developing multilateral cooperation.
A Turkmen tennis player has reached the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros Junior Series
21.08.2026Ali Geldiyev, a 14-year-old tennis player from Turkmenistan, has reached the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros Junior Series regional qualifying tournament in Almaty. The competition is being held on the clay courts of ‘Gorky Tennis Park’, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The tournament features 16 boys and 16 girls aged 16 and under from countries in Central and West Asia. Turkmenistan is represented by Ali Geldiyev, who qualified to compete in Almaty thanks to his high international and Asian rankings. In Group A, Geldiyev defeated Beksulton Voksidov of Uzbekistan 7–6(1), 6–0, and Dong Seon Kim 6–0, 6–1. In his match against the tournament’s top seed, Rodion Traigel of Kazakhstan, the Turkmen tennis player lost in the decisive tie-break — 3–6, 6–2, 5–10. Having finished second in the group, Geldiyev advanced to the quarter-finals. His opponent will be the eighth seed, Kiarash Sadeghizeidi from Iran, the winner of Group D. The winners of the qualifiers will secure places in the final stage of the Roland Garros Junior Series, which will take place in Japan in October. There, the sole place in the main draw of the 2027 Roland Garros Junior Championships will be up for grabs. In May, at the age of 14, Ali Geldiyev became the men’s champion of Turkmenistan for the first time, setting a national record. He began his training at Children’s and Youth Sports School No. 9 in Turkmenabat under the guidance of Babamurat Mamatrasulov. The player is currently training in Ashgabat with Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Tajik Foreign Minister
21.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed preparations for the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State and the consultative meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Particular attention was paid to expanding trade and developing cooperation in agriculture, energy and logistics. On the same day, inter-ministerial political consultations took place in the capital of Turkmenistan. The parties coordinated their positions on cooperation within the UN, the CIS and the SCO. Following the talks, a Programme of Cooperation between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan for 2027–2028 was signed.
A Turkmen chess player has been crowned Asian rapid chess champion
21.08.2026Turkmen chess player Lala Shohradova won the gold medal in the rapid chess tournament at the Asian Junior Chess Championship (under-20) in Mumbai. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. After seven rounds, the player scored 6 points out of a possible 7. Pratitee Bordoloi of India achieved the same result, but Lala Shohradova was awarded first place on tiebreaks. In the third round, she lost to her compatriot WFM Jahan Rejepova, after which she won four games in a row. Sixty female chess players from seven countries took part in the women’s rapid chess competition. Turkmenistan was represented by Jahan Rejepova, Myahri Agamyradova, Leyla Shohradova and Lala Shohradova. For Lala Shohradova, this is her second medal of the current championship. On 17 August, she won the silver medal in the blitz tournament.
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