News
The Forum of Parliamentarians of the Eurasian Group Opens in the Capital of Turkmenistan
20.05.2026On May 19, the 5th Forum of Parliamentarians of the member states of the Eurasian Group commenced in Ashgabat at the “Yyldyz” Hotel. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event is being held within the framework of the 44th plenary meeting of the Eurasian Group. The forum serves as a platform for strengthening cooperation between legislative and executive authorities in the field of combating the legalization of criminal proceeds. Such meetings help raise parliamentarians’ awareness of international standards and current threats, while also facilitating the exchange of experience in improving national legislation.
Turkmenistan and Egypt discussed cooperation within the UN
20.05.2026Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Vepa Hajiyev held a meeting with Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UN Ehab Awad as part of regular contacts at the organization’s platform. This was reported by the IIC. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, paying special attention to the regional agenda and key international issues requiring joint efforts. Following the talks, the diplomats confirmed their intention to continue cooperation, strengthen coordination at multilateral platforms, and develop constructive dialogue between Turkmenistan and Egypt.
Turkmenistan’s Steps Toward WTO Accession Discussed at the Foreign Ministry
20.05.2026On May 19, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Maika Oshikawa, Director of the Accessions Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues related to cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WTO, as well as further steps toward the country’s accession to the organization. The sides also touched upon regional and international trade and economic cooperation, as well as the improvement of the national legal and regulatory framework and cooperation with international institutions. The consistent nature of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WTO was noted. As part of Maika Oshikawa’s visit to Ashgabat, a meeting is planned with representatives of the Government Commission on Turkmenistan’s accession to the WTO.
The delegation of Turkmenistan discussed healthcare cooperation with the WHO Director-General
19.05.2026In Geneva, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, a meeting took place between the delegation of Turkmenistan and the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Turkmen side was led by the Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry, Azat Ovezov, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare and priorities in public health. The delegation also invited the WHO chief to visit Turkmenistan in October to participate in regional events. In addition, representatives of Turkmenistan are taking part in the assembly, where WHO member states are considering issues of global health and the sustainable development of healthcare systems.
Turkmenistan coordinated WHO negotiations with countries of the region
19.05.2026On May 17, an informal meeting of health ministers and heads of delegations from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan was held at the headquarters of the World Health Organization with the Regional Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Hans Kluge. The event was coordinated by Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal reports. The main topic was the finalization of preparations for the Health and Well-being Roadmap for Central Asia for 2026–2030 (CAWR 2.0). The parties discussed its official approval, possible political launch, and integration with regional formats, including initiatives within the CIS. Following the meeting, participants confirmed agreement on CAWR 2.0 and its operational guidance. The document is ready to be submitted to the political level and to be launched for implementation. On the same day, Hans Kluge held a separate meeting with the Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Azat Ovezov. The development of regional cooperation and further strengthening of collaboration in the healthcare sector were discussed.
Turkmen chess players among prize winners at tournaments in Astana
19.05.2026In Astana, from May 14 to 17, team chess tournaments were held at the Kazakh National University of Sports: the first championship of the Turkic states among men and women (Turkic Teams Chess Championships 2026) and the youth chess Olympiad under 16 (Turkic Youth U16 Chess Olympiad 2026). This was reported by IIC. Teams from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan (as the host country fielded two teams in each tournament), Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan participated in a round-robin format. Each team consisted of four main players, one reserve player, and a captain. The time control was 45+30. The total prize fund amounted to 27 million tenge (about 54 thousand USD). In the men’s tournament, 13 grandmasters and 18 international masters participated. The Turkmenistan national team included grandmasters Saparmyrat Atabayev (rating 2471) and Meylis Annaberdiev (rating 2425). According to the results, Kazakhstan teams took first and second places among men. Azerbaijan took third place. Saparmyrat Atabayev placed 3rd on board one. In the women’s tournament, Azerbaijan’s national team won (10 points). Kazakhstan took second place (9 points), and Uzbekistan came third. Turkmenistan’s women’s team finished fifth with 6 points. Lala Shokhradova took 3rd place on board one, and Jahan Rejepova took 2nd place on board three. In the U16 youth tournament, the top three included Azerbaijan’s team and two teams from Kazakhstan. Turkmenistan’s representative Dilber Khupbyeva took 3rd place on board four. The organizers were FIDE, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Kazakh National University of Sports, and the Akimat of Astana.
Turkmen artists presented culture at a festival in Azerbaijan
19.05.2026From May 14 to 15, the 9th International “Xarı bülbül” Festival was held in the city of Shusha (Azerbaijan). Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the event. According to the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, the country was represented by the folk group “Galkynysh” of the State Concern “Turkmengaz”. The ensemble performed at the festival and presented the musical heritage of the Turkmen people, showcasing its cultural diversity and traditions.
The Turkmenistan national team won the medal standings at the JJIF World Championship
19.05.2026Turkmen athletes won 42 medals at the World Contact Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Antalya, Türkiye. The tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and brought together 245 participants from 16 countries, according to the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Turkmenistan team’s tally included 14 gold, 11 silver, and 17 bronze medals, securing first place in the overall team standings. Vietnam took second place with 14 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Kazakhstan finished third with 10 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals. The JJIF World Championships in jiu-jitsu have been held since 1994 on a biennial basis. The “contact jiu-jitsu” discipline has been included in the competition program since 2017.
Tbilisi TV Tower illuminated in the colors of the Turkmenistan flag
19.05.2026On May 17–18, 2026, the Tbilisi TV Tower was lit in the colors of the national flag of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to Constitution Day and the State Flag Day of the country. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The illumination of one of Tbilisi’s landmarks reflects respect for national holidays, historical traditions, and state values. The initiative also highlights the friendly nature of Turkmen-Georgian relations, as well as the development of cooperation and cultural interaction between the peoples.
Turkmen Weightlifter Wins Silver Medal at Asian Championships in India
19.05.2026Turkmen weightlifter Davranbek Hasanbayev won a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships taking place in Gandhinagar, India. He competed in the men’s 110 kg weight category, according to the news website Turkmenportal. In the combined total, the athlete recorded 392 kg (188 kg in the snatch and 204 kg in the clean and jerk). Hasanbayev also earned a small bronze medal in the snatch event. The gold medal in this category was claimed by China’s Liu Huanhua, who lifted a total of 420 kg (190 kg in the snatch and 230 kg in the clean and jerk). The bronze medal went to Chinese Taipei’s Dong Bincheng with a total of 381 kg (166 kg in the snatch and 215 kg in the clean and jerk). Earlier in the tournament, another Turkmen athlete, Rustem Annaberdyev, won bronze in the men’s 94 kg category with a total of 354 kg (158 kg in the snatch and 196 kg in the clean and jerk). In addition, Bunyad Rashidov secured a small bronze medal in the snatch in the men’s 71 kg category after lifting 147 kg.
Turkmenistan Presented Priorities at the ECO RPC Meeting
19.05.2026The 36th meeting of the Regional Planning Council (RPC) of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held on May 17, 2026, in a hybrid format. The forum will continue until May 20 under the chairmanship of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is participating in the meeting, reaffirming its commitment to regional partnership and sustainable development. The event is being held under the slogan “Revitalizing Regionalism for a Sustainable ECO.” Participants are discussing the implementation of decisions adopted at the 35th RPC meeting, as well as approving the Work Programme and Calendar of Events for 2026. The head of the Turkmen delegation presented the country’s positions on the development of regional cooperation. The main priorities include transport and logistics integration, energy dialogue, expansion of trade and economic ties, and humanitarian cooperation. Special attention was given to the role of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as an element of transit corridors connecting Asia and Europe. The Turkmen side supported the development of the East–West and North–South routes, the creation of multimodal infrastructure, and the expansion of logistics capacities. In the environmental section of the agenda, Turkmenistan emphasized the diversification of energy routes, energy security, and the introduction of energy-efficient technologies and “green” development principles. It was also noted that the First ECO Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development was held in Arkadag on April 28–29, 2025. The forum focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, the green economy, digital transformation, and transport connectivity. Turkmenistan supported work on the Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation through 2035 and reaffirmed its readiness to continue participating in ECO activities and implementing joint initiatives.
A delegation of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a visit to Turkey
19.05.2026Representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by the press service of the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. Talks were held in Ankara with representatives of the Directorate General of Migration Management of the Turkish Ministry of Interior, during which a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation was discussed. The parties noted that the regular format of working contacts contributes to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation and makes it possible to identify new areas for joint activities. The interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of migration and outlined the key priorities for further interaction. Particular attention was paid to the importance of coordination within international organizations as a factor in strengthening the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. Following the talks, the parties expressed confidence in the continued progressive development of bilateral cooperation and wished each other success in their professional activities.
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