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Turkmenistan and the EU discussed cooperation and preparations for upcoming visits
15.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Beata Peksa, the European Union's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, was held on 14 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for upcoming visits at the high levels. In addition, an exchange of views was held on topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The meeting also discussed the implementation of current and future joint projects in the fields of high technology, transport, economics, energy, environmental protection and vocational education.
Turkmen services rescued the crew of a dry cargo ship in the Caspian Sea
15.01.2026On 14 January 2026, the coast guard of Turkmenistan received an SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was in distress in the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In accordance with international maritime regulations, the Turkmenistan state authorities involved in responding to emergencies took measures to rescue the crew. As a result of the operation, all 14 people on board were rescued. According to preliminary data, they are citizens of Iran and India. The Turkmen side is currently carrying out the procedures required by international rules.
Environmental transformation: Turkmenbashi Port implements ‘smart’ technologies
15.01.2026The Turkmenbashi International Seaport will be part of a large-scale environmental transformation. As part of a five-year OSCE project, the Italian company RINA and the German company ‘HPC Hamburg Port Consulting’ will help the port implement ‘smart’ and ‘green’ technologies, according to the news agency Orient. The programme provides for a transition to renewable energy, digital monitoring of environmental impact, improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure, and training Turkmen specialists in international environmental management standards. The growth of transit flows along the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ and ‘North-South’ routes makes the port's environmental status a competitive advantage, attracting carriers focused on sustainable development. Similar projects are being implemented in the ports of Baku, Aktau, Kuryk and Batumi to create a single ‘green’ transport corridor between Asia and Europe.
Turkmen artefacts reveal the secrets of the East to the Roman public
15.01.2026The exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ continues at the Capitoline Museums in Rome and will end on 12 April. The Italian press notes that the exhibition is perceived not only as a collection of artefacts, but also as a symbolic return of Parthia, a powerful rival of Ancient Rome, according to the news agency Orient. For the Romans, Parthia was a formidable force in the East, known for its horsemen and the legendary ‘Parthian shot’. Now, on Capitoline Hill, where triumphs over enemies were once celebrated, rivals meet again — but in an atmosphere of admiration rather than war. Of particular interest are the ivory rhytons from Old Nisa: they combine Hellenistic art and Eastern luxury, creating a unique style that is unparalleled in Rome. The preservation of these treasures inspires European viewers with respect for cultural continuity. Opened in October 2025, the exhibition continues to impress researchers and the public, demonstrating that Turkmenistan's heritage is an important part of world history. The meeting between the ‘invincible Parthia’ and Rome at the Palazzo Caffarelli was a truly unique experience.
FC ‘Arkadag’ continues its training camp in Turkey with a match against a Bulgarian club
15.01.2026On 16 January, the ‘Arkadag’ football club will play a friendly match against the Bulgarian club ‘Septemvri’. The game will be held as part of the team’s training camp in Antalya, Turkey, according to Turkmenportal, citing the club’s press service. ‘Arkadag’ is holding its training camp from 12 January to 2 February. Several friendly matches are planned as part of the programme. Earlier it was reported that on 31 January, the Turkmen team will play against the reigning champions of Uzbekistan, Fergana’s ‘Neftchi’. ‘Septemvri’ represents Sofia and plays in the Bulgarian First League. After 19 rounds, the team has scored 15 points and is in second-to-last place in the table.
Ashgabat could become a regional hub for combating desertification in Central Asia
15.01.2026The Regional Centre for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat will enable Central Asian countries to jointly address transboundary issues affecting agriculture and water management. This was stated by Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. His words are quoted by the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, reports Turkmenportal. He recalled that the initiative to create the centre was put forward by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Pirli Kepbanov, the centre will serve as a platform for coordinating the efforts of countries in the region on issues related to land degradation and water resource management. This, he noted, will allow for the consolidation of the scientific and practical potential of the countries and strengthen regional environmental cooperation. The director of the institute emphasised that Turkmenistan has the necessary scientific base to host the centre. The country has specialised research institutions with many years of experience in the field of desert studies. He noted that there are only four scientific institutes of this kind in the world, and one of them is the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan. Kepbanov also recalled that historically, Turkmenistan has been the leading centre of desert science for Central Asia and neighbouring regions. For decades, scientists and specialists have been coming to the country to exchange experience and conduct research. According to him, several generations of Eurasian specialists have been professionally trained in Turkmenistan. Over the years, the institute has established partnerships with more than 40 scientific and government organisations from 35 countries. Currently, the institute cooperates with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of China, the A.N. Kostyakov Federal Scientific Centre for Hydrotechnics and Land Reclamation in Russia, and is also involved in negotiations with universities in Central Asian countries.
Turkmenistan expanded international cultural cooperation in 2025
15.01.2026In 2025, declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan hosted large-scale cultural events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The main focus was on preserving the national cultural heritage, developing the arts and expanding international humanitarian cooperation. These tasks were outlined by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 11 July 2025. The Head of State emphasised the need for systematic study and preservation of cultural values, development of libraries and museums, restoration of historical and cultural monuments, and support for creative initiatives. Throughout the year, international festivals, exhibitions, conferences, and forums were held in the country. The ‘Music of the World’ Festival and the ‘Music of Peace, Music of Friendship and Brotherhood’ Festival were held in Ashgabat. The Awaza International Dance and Folklore Festival, ‘Awaza – the land of friendship’, was organised in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Days of Turkmenistan Culture were held in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as Days of Foreign Countries Culture in Turkmenistan. Cooperation with UNESCO was actively developed. Ashgabat was accepted into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The nomination ‘The art of breeding Turkmen alabay’ was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Work continued on the nomination of the monuments of the Great Silk Road to the UNESCO World Heritage List. As part of the State Programme for 2022-2028, archaeological research and restoration work has been carried out on historical and cultural monuments. Archaeological finds have been transferred to the State Museum of the State Cultural Centre of Turkmenistan and the Arkadag City Museum of History and Local Lore. Throughout the year, there was a Culture Week, creative competitions, concerts, and exhibitions dedicated to national and commemorative dates, as well as events celebrating 30 years of Permanent Neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. The cultural events held in 2025 were aimed at preserving national values, supporting creative potential and strengthening international cultural dialogue.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat held a reception to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day
15.01.2026On 14 January, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan held a briefing and official reception in Ashgabat to mark Defenders of the Fatherland Day in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the 34th anniversary of the formation of the country's Armed Forces. The event was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel, according to IIC. During his speech, Jasur Ashurov, Counsellor of the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, noted that due to the political will of the leaders of the two states, Uzbek-Turkmen relations have reached a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership in recent years. As the organisers emphasised, such events contribute to the further development and strengthening of friendly and good-neighbourly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, based on the principles of mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
The fintech market in Turkmenistan: growth potential and development prospects
14.01.2026The fintech market in Turkmenistan is in its infancy and has high growth potential, according to the December report by the Asian Development Bank. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The sector's development is facilitated by the growth of internet access, the spread of mobile devices and government digitalisation programmes, with state banks and telecommunications companies playing a key role. State financial institutions remain the main drivers of digital banking, while commercial banks are gradually introducing mobile applications and online services for customers. At the same time, a market is forming for fintech companies working with mobile payments, digital wallets and remote lending, with the support of telecom operators and international organisations. ADB experts believe that the further development of fintech in Turkmenistan will depend on strengthening cooperation between the state, banks and technology companies.
A seminar involving professors from Germany has begun in Turkmenistan
14.01.2026On 12 January, a training seminar began at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan with the participation of professors from leading German universities. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The programme, which runs until 16 January, is dedicated to the introduction of modern educational methods, improving the professional level of teachers and students, and the exchange of international experience. At the end of the seminar, participants will receive international certificates. The event is being held as part of Memoranda of Cooperation with Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg and Clausthal University of Technology.
First natural gas flow obtained at the ‘Hazarly’ field in Turkmenistan
14.01.2026Industrial natural gas flow has been obtained from a new well at the ‘Hazarly’ gas field located in Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The ‘Hazarly-3’ well, drilled by the ‘Marynebitgazgözleg’ expedition of the ‘Türkmengeologiýa’ State Corporation, provides up to 120,000 cubic metres of gas per day. It is noted that this is the first gas-bearing well at this field, which creates the conditions for further development of ‘Hazarly’ and expansion of the resource base of the gas industry in Turkmenistan.
‘Türkmennebit’ ended 2025 with growth in production indicators
14.01.2026In 2025, specialists from the production structures of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern ensured the production of 4 million 25 thousand tonnes of oil and gas condensate, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Nebit-Gaz’ newspaper. According to the source, the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust's divisions additionally produced 205,000 tonnes of raw materials. As a result, the planned targets were met by 108.6%. During the year, more than 4.6 billion cubic metres of natural gas were supplied to consumers. The divisions ‘Goturdepenebit’, ‘Gumdagnebit’, ‘Nebitdagnebit’, ‘Gamyşlyjanebit’, ‘Galkynyşnebit’, ‘Keýmir’ and ‘Körpeje’ made a significant contribution to these volumes. At the same time, work was carried out to restore the well fund. During the reporting period, 437 wells were repaired instead of the planned 413. Additional oil production from these wells amounted to 292,600 tonnes, which allowed the plan to be fulfilled by 124%. In 2025, 39 new wells were drilled, 33 of which have already been put into operation.
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