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Turkmenistan expands early childhood development programmes with UNICEF support
22.01.2026In Turkmenistan, a second group of national trainers has been certified in the ‘Guide for Monitoring Child Development’ (GMCD), which aims to improve the quality of services for young children. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the UNICEF press service. The new group of specialists is continuing the work begun after the certification of the first trainers in 2018 and is contributing to the expansion of early childhood development programmes throughout the country. The internationally recognised GMCD tool enables health workers to monitor the development of children from birth to 3.5 years of age and provide timely support to families. The certification is the result of many years of cooperation between UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and experts from Ankara University. Since 2018, the GMCD has been gradually introduced into the primary health care system, including pilot projects, training of specialists and the development of early intervention services. The integration of the GMCD into educational programmes, clinical standards and national reporting systems is also being considered.
Tokyo discussed plans for Turkmen-Japanese cooperation in 2026
22.01.2026On 21 January, a meeting was held in Tokyo between Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Japan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Hiroyuki Tsubai, Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Economic Cooperation Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026, including the implementation of joint economic projects in Turkmenistan aimed at further strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The Japanese side confirmed its interest in continuing work on the projects announced by the President of Turkmenistan at the first ‘Central Asia + Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which took place on 20 December 2025 in Tokyo. Initiatives in the field of the circular economy were named among the priority areas. During the meeting, the importance of further developing the medical cluster in the city of Arkadag, in which the Japanese company ‘Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.’ is participating, was also noted. At the end of the negotiations, the parties agreed to set a date for the 16th Joint Meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is planned to be held in Tokyo in 2026.
Ashgabat hosts the Economic Forum of the SPECA countries
22.01.2026On 21 January, the Economic Forum, held as part of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) week, began at the “Ýyldyz’ Hotel in the capital. This was reported by TDH. The event is attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, India, as well as delegations from international organisations, including specialised UN agencies, the European Union and the World Bank. The main purpose of the forum is to discuss the prospects for forming a new architecture of economic cooperation in the Eurasian space. After the opening ceremony, a plenary session was held in a hybrid format. Participants noted the strategic importance of Turkmenistan's initiatives and the role of SPECA in the development of transport, logistics and energy ties in the Eurasian space. During the discussions, the need to strengthen regional connectivity in the fields of energy, transport and trade, expand transit routes and simplify procedures was emphasised. Issues of digital transformation, the introduction of UN standards in customs and trade processes, and the creation of a multilateral partnership fund to support cross-border projects were also discussed. Special attention was paid to environmental sustainability, the use of renewable energy sources and the introduction of clean technologies. Representatives of international organisations noted that economic integration must be combined with measures to protect the environment. The forum continued with thematic sessions on energy and transport connectivity, as well as a strategic vision for sustainable development. Issues such as the diversification of export routes, the development of multimodal corridors, the digitalisation of infrastructure and the harmonisation of the regulatory frameworks of participating countries were discussed. The forum continues its work on 22 January in the format of thematic sessions.
Digital monitoring of agriculture discussed in Ashgabat
22.01.2026An interdepartmental seminar on the introduction of remote sensing of the Earth in agriculture in Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. It was held as part of a project by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by IIC. The main topic was the national electronic system for real-time monitoring of winter wheat and cotton crops. The model is based on satellite images and data from unmanned aerial vehicles. The system automatically recognises crops and assesses chlorophyll levels. This allows plant growth to be tracked and problem areas to be identified. The results of tests conducted in the Mary velayat in 2024–2025 demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach. The programme records diseases, soil salinisation, land degradation and moisture deficiency. The project provides for a secure digital platform with regional access. In the future, it is planned to integrate land cadastre data, weather reports and soil analysis into the system. The use of drones for precision fertilisation and plant protection was discussed separately. The Ministry of Agriculture noted that the project also aims to train specialists in the field of IT and cybersecurity.
The Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Chad expand dialogue
22.01.2026On 21 January, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chad to Turkmenistan (residing in Moscow) Mahamoud Adam Bechir, who presented copies of his credentials. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. They noted their experience of cooperation in multilateral forums, including within the framework of the UN. They confirmed their readiness to continue mutual support for initiatives. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral ties.
Hindi corner opened at language university in Turkmenistan
22.01.2026A Hindi language corner has been opened at the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. The ceremony was attended by the university's management and a delegation from India led by the Secretary for Western Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of India, Sibi George. Among the guests were also the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, diplomats, teachers and students. Students presented creative performances, including national dances and Indian songs. The language corner is equipped with modern equipment. It is designed for studying the language, literature and culture of India using digital and printed materials. It is planned that the space will become a centre for readings, competitions and discussions.
Turkmenistan and India strengthen foreign policy dialogue
22.01.2026On 21 January, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Secretary for Western Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of India Sibi George. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The role of high-level contacts in the development of bilateral relations, including within regional and international formats, was emphasised. The Diplomats confirmed their readiness to strengthen dialogue between the foreign ministries. The possibility of holding a meeting between the heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries was discussed. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation and the expansion of cooperation mechanisms ahead of the next meeting of the Turkmen-Indian Inter-governmental Commission. The results of the partnership in the field of education and culture were also noted.
A credential presentation ceremony by the Ambassador of Chad was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
22.01.2026Chairwoman of the Mejlis D. Gulmanova, on behalf of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, accepted the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chad to Turkmenistan, Mahamoud Adam Béchir. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On behalf of the Head of State, she congratulated the Diplomat on his appointment and expressed readiness to develop bilateral relations. The Ambassador thanked her for the reception and conveyed greetings from the leadership of the Republic of Chad to the President of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen people. During the meeting, they discussed the structure and activities of the Mejlis, the country's domestic and foreign policy directions, as well as Turkmenistan's interest in cooperation with African states. The parties exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations. The Ambassador confirmed his readiness to promote the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Chad.
The cooperation programme between Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026–2030 was discussed
22.01.2026On 21 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in developing cooperation and their readiness to expand joint programmes and projects. The results of cooperation in 2025 and the importance of opening a FAO office in Turkmenistan for strengthening bilateral ties were noted. They discussed the role of joint regional conferences on food security, taking into account climate change, as a platform for coordination among countries in the region. Special attention was paid to issues of sustainable development, ecology and climate risks. Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries and a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia were highlighted. The development of a new Country Programming Framework for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026-2030 was also discussed. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO on the establishment of an FAO office and the provision of technical assistance.
Cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan reaches a new level
22.01.2026On January 20, a meeting was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the Rector of TSU, O. Ovezsahedov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, N. Nogayev, as well as A. Naimanbayev, Doctor of Philosophy and Director of the Department of Career Guidance and Development of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting was dedicated to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral interaction between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres. The meeting was devoted to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres, as well as potential joint projects. The participants emphasised the importance of strengthening academic ties and expressed their readiness to continue developing the partnership.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a reception on behalf of the President of Slovenia
22.01.2026On 19 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Slovenia, attended a New Year's reception hosted by Natasha Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Robert Golob, Prime Minister, for Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Slovenia on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. E. Aydogdyev conveyed congratulations from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasising the readiness to develop bilateral cooperation. In response, the Slovenian leadership sent New Year greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero Arkadag. As part of the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with Melita Gabrič, State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Political Issues and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The parties discussed topical issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, the organisation of mutual visits, the work of the Inter-governmental Commission and the improvement of the legal framework for relations. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation and the maintenance of regular working contacts. The parties also exchanged views on the regional and international agenda, emphasising constructive cooperation in UN forums.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Director-General of the FAO in Ashgabat
22.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu, according to the online news resource Asmannews. During the meeting, they discussed Turkmenistan's cooperation with the FAO, as well as food security issues in the context of climate change. Qu Dongyu emphasised the organisation's interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan, noting the reforms being carried out in the country's agricultural sector and international environmental initiatives. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the regional conference on food security being held in Turkmenistan, which serves as a platform for the exchange of experience and is supported by the FAO. The Head of State stressed that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy. Turkmenistan is actively involved in initiatives to strengthen global food security, rational management of natural resources and addressing climate and environmental issues. Digital technologies are being introduced in the agricultural sector and the land and water resource management system is being improved. The President said that, with the support of the FAO, projects are being implemented to modernise agriculture, increase productivity and protect crops. Work is also being carried out within the framework of the Green Climate Fund and the ‘One Health’ approach. The parties confirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation and concluded the meeting by exchanging best wishes.
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