News
Turkmen students win prizes at snow sculpture competition in Harbin
08.01.2026Turkmen students from Harbin Engineering University won prizes at the 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest, which took place in 2026 in Harbin (PRC). The team took second place with their entry, ‘Pride of Turkmenistan,’ representing the country's national culture and artistic traditions on an international level. This was reported by IIC. The sculpture was created by Serdarov Didar, Rejepov Ilmyrat, Jorayev Yusupjan, and Amanov Bagtyyar. The central image of the composition was an Ahal-Teke horse, one of the key symbols of Turkmenistan. Made of snow and ice, the work was distinguished by its expressive plasticity, dynamics and accurate conveyance of the strength and nobility of the legendary horse breed. The achievement was given additional symbolism by the fact that the competition was held in the Year of the Horse, whose motto reflects the ideas of fidelity to traditions, spiritual stability and harmony. It is these qualities, according to the authors' concept, that are embodied by the Ahal-Teke horse, which became the artistic and semantic centre of the sculpture. The Turkmen team's second place was marked with a certificate presented by the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Organizing Committee with the support of the National Institute of Industrial Design in China. The award confirmed the high level of professional training and creative approach of the young authors. The performance of Turkmen students in Harbin contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's cultural image abroad, demonstrating the possibilities of a modern artistic interpretation of national heritage on an international stage.
Turkmenistan and the United States discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation
08.01.2026On 7 January, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of topical issues of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. The parties noted the effectiveness of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including annual political consultations and meetings of the ‘Turkmenistan-US’ Business Council. Particular emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of the long-standing activities of American companies in Turkmenistan, as well as the implementation of joint projects and contracts in the fields of electric power, agriculture and transport with the participation of companies such as ‘John Deere’, ‘General Electric’ and ‘Boeing’. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. In this context, the Turkmen side put forward an initiative to establish a ‘Turkmen-American’ cultural dialogue. In addition, an exchange of views was held on the development of cooperation in the field of high technology and in the banking and financial sector.
Donald Trump congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year
08.01.2026The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the letter, Donald Trump congratulated the Head of Turkmenistan on Christmas and New Year. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the United States of America were established on 10 April 1992.
A ‘Grassroots’ children's football festival was held in Ashgabat
07.01.2026The ‘Ashgabat’ Stadium hosted the ‘Grassroots’ Children's Football Festival, organised by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Olympic Reserve Children's and Youth School. This was reported by the Orient news agency. About 150 children born in 2014-2015 took part in the event. The programme included game training to develop basic football skills, competitions, relays and exercises at various themed stations. At the end of the festival, all participants received footballs as gifts from the Federation.
Turkmenistan discusses new National Forest Programme until 2030
07.01.2026A round table discussion on the draft National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030 was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in conjunction with UNDP and the Aral Project. Scientists, members of the Mejlis and relevant experts took part in the discussion, according to IIC. The project, which is the third stage of the national greening strategy, includes 13 sections and a specific action plan. It places greater emphasis on the restoration of natural forests and, for the first time, provides for state forest management to create a forest cadastre. The programme also provides for public-private partnership mechanisms, measures to combat desertification and adapt to climate change, and the introduction of GIS, satellite monitoring and AI. The prospects for the development of ecotourism, job creation and the country's participation in international carbon credit markets are highlighted separately.
Rovshen Muhadov has left his position on the coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’
07.01.2026Rovshen Muhadov has left ‘Arkadag’ Football Club following the expiry of his contract, according to news website Turkmenportal. The specialist noted that the parting was amicable and respectful, with both sides thanking each other for their cooperation and wishing each other success in their future professional endeavours. Rovshen Muhadov also expressed his gratitude to the club's fans for their support and wished the team luck in upcoming matches. In September 2025, FC ‘Arkadag’ included R. Muhadov in its application for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2 as head coach. At the same time, in accordance with AFC regulations, Vladimir Bayramov, who did not have a PRO licence, continued to actually manage the team, while Rovshen Muhadov formally held the position of head coach in the tournament. Under the leadership of the coaching staff, ‘Arkadag’ reached the AFC Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in its history, finishing second in Group B. The team won one game, drew four and lost one. In the round of 16, the Turkmen club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. The first match will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat, with the return leg scheduled for 18 February in Saudi Arabia.
A year of record victories in sport has strengthened Turkmenistan's position on the world stage
07.01.2026The Turkmenistan national team significantly strengthened its position in the international sporting and intellectual arena in 2025, winning 977 medals. This is 225 more awards than the previous year, reflecting the steady growth of the country's potential. The geography of participation has also expanded: in 2025, Turkmen athletes and students took part in 226 international competitions, compared to 190 in 2024. The medal tally included 304 gold, 287 silver and 386 bronze awards. These results were achieved thanks to consistent state policy in the fields of sport, science and education. At the end of the year, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an award ceremony for the winners and prize-winners of international Olympiads and competitions, noting the significance of their successes for the country's prestige and the role of young people's achievements in shaping its future. Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the Head of State emphasised the contribution of the younger generation to the development of Turkmenistan, expressed his gratitude to teachers and coaches for training the winners and confirmed the country's unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support for science, education and sport. During the event, the President's decrees on awarding distinguished participants were announced. Schoolchildren and students who won prizes at international Olympiads received cash prizes ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 manats, and their mentors received 100,000 manats each. Athletes and coaches were also rewarded: prize-winners received cash payments, and winners of international tournaments received the keys to 2025 Toyota Camry HEV 2.5L cars. The size and form of the rewards were determined taking into account the level of the competitions, their international status and the number of participating countries. The development of sport continues to be one of the key areas of Turkmenistan's state policy. Comprehensive reforms are being implemented in the country, aimed at educating and physically training the younger generation as part of long-term target programmes and strategies. At the same time, the material and technical base of educational institutions is being modernised. In accordance with the socio-economic development programmes for 2022–2052 and 2022–2028, the construction of new schools and educational institutions equipped with modern computer technology, laboratory equipment, interactive and multimedia teaching aids is continuing. In the field of sport, the priorities remain the development of mass physical culture and high-performance sport. The state is investing in the construction of modern sports facilities and the training of specialised professionals. All velayats have sports and recreation complexes, equestrian centres, stadiums and specialised schools that meet current standards. Modern medical and diagnostic centres equipped with equipment from leading global manufacturers have been put into operation in Ashgabat and provincial centres. This has made it possible to create a sports and recreation infrastructure that meets international requirements. Along with high-performance sports, special attention is paid to the development of national sports. Turkmen athletes successfully represent the country at Asian and world championships, winning prizes and receiving state incentives for their achievements.
New plant species added to Turkmenistan's flora register
07.01.2026The global botanical community has officially recognised a new plant species discovered in the Lesser Balkan and Karakum Desert regions. The species in question is Astragalus rustamovii. The description of the species has been published in the annual journal ‘Novosti Sistematiki Vysshikh Rastenii’ by the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, according to IIC. The new species is the result of many years of research by Turkmen botanist and systematist Alexander Pavlenko and Professor Alexei Laktionov of Astrakhan State University. The plant is endemic and does not occur in nature outside Turkmenistan. The species is named after geobotanist Inklab Rustamov, a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This unusual plant was first recorded in 2016 during field research. To confirm its independent species status, scientists studied herbarium collections from leading scientific centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tashkent, Berlin and Brno, including materials from the 19th century. Comparative analysis showed that Rustamov's astragalus differs in a number of stable morphological characteristics, including the ratio of leaf and flower stalk sizes, as well as the shape of the petals, which allows it to be distinguished from closely related species. The discovery confirms the high biological value of the foothills of the Lesser Balkan and Western Kopetdag. Rustamov's astragalus is included in the international flora register.
The new issue of ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’ is dedicated to the key events of December
06.01.2026The latest issue of the electronic magazine ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published by the Central Council of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly, has been presented to readers. The issue focuses on key events in the country's social and political life in December 2025, reports TDH. The issue opens with an article entitled ‘Täze eser – ýaşlar üçin belent serpaý’ (A new work – a bright future for young people), dedicated to the release of a new book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust). The publication reveals its significance for young people and society as a whole. The issue also features materials on the International Forum for Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, the Ashgabat Declaration and broad international support for the country's peace initiatives. A separate section of the magazine is devoted to gender equality issues. The article ‘Gender deňliginiň bähbidine halkara dialog’ (International dialogue on gender equality) tells about the International Conference held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone and the topical issues discussed there. The pride of Turkmen youth in the motto of the coming year is reflected in the article ‘Bedew batly, at-myratly şanly ýyl’ (A Glorious year with Purposeful Winged Horses). The significance of the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, as well as the meeting held at the Mekan Palace on the initiative of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, is revealed in the publication ‘Parahatçylyk – ýaşaýşyň tugy’ (Peace is the banner of life). The topic of neutrality is developed in the article ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň hukuk esaslary’ (The Legal Foundations of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality), which is devoted to its legal basis. The issue also includes materials and speeches by young activists who have been awarded high state honours. The issue concludes with the article ‘Şanly ýylda parlan ýyldyz’ (A Star That Shone in a Glorious Year), which presents information about the winner of the 2025 ‘Ýylyň parlak ýyldyzy’ (‘The Star of the Year’) competition.
FC ‘Arkadag’ strengthened its attack ahead of matches against ‘Al-Nassr’
06.01.2026The ‘Arkadag’ football club has signed contracts with two forwards from the Turkmenistan national team. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The newcomers are 22-year-old Dayanch Meredov from ‘Kopetdag’ and 24-year-old Rahman Myratberdiyev from ‘Altyn Asyr’. The strengthening of the attack line is timed to coincide with the AFC Champions League 1/8 finals against Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, where Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo plays. The first match will take place on 11 February, with the return leg on 18 February. Earlier, 25-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev, who previously played for ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’ and ‘Ahal’, joined FC ‘Arkadag’.
Turkmenistan accelerates development of digital economy
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is consistently implementing the transition to digital public administration, viewing e-Government as a key factor in modernisation and national development. This was reported by the IIC. As part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026-2028,’ priority has been given to the digitisation of all sectors, based on the Interdepartmental Electronic Interaction System, which aims to increase the transparency and accessibility of public services. Based on international experience and in partnership with UNDP, the ‘X-Road’ platform has been implemented in the country, ensuring secure data exchange between agencies. The project contributes to the development of ‘smart cities’, the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the formation of a unified digital space. At the same time, Turkmenistan is investing in the training of IT personnel, viewing the development of professional competencies as a prerequisite for technological sovereignty and long-term stability.
Turkmenistan at the crossroads of global transport corridors
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its status as a key initiator of global transport projects. This was reported by the IIC. To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the UN General Assembly has declared 2026-2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport, supporting the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to transform the region into a major transcontinental transport hub. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's transport initiatives are linked to addressing global challenges, including expanding women's rights and combating climate change. Turkmenistan, located on the route of the revived Great Silk Road, is working with international partners to create an integrated logistics network connecting Central Asia with Europe, the Caspian and Baltic regions, as well as South and Southeast Asia. The UN Decade will be a benchmark for the global economy: by 2030, investment in transport will exceed $11 trillion, with a focus on environmental sustainability, safety and AI technologies. Turkmenistan is already hosting global conferences and promoting initiatives such as World Bicycle Day, forming the legal and technological basis for a ‘green’ and interconnected world.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
