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Turkmenistan took part in the opening of the ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York
15.04.2026On 14 April, a delegation from the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan took part in the opening of the Youth Forum organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event is being held under the theme of the role of innovation and youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and brings together representatives from countries, UN bodies and partner organisations. Turkmenistan is represented at the forum by Gulnabat Gurdova, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, and Wepa Gutlyev, Head of the Youth Policy Department. The first day is dedicated to the theme of engaging with young people to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions. The programme began with an official opening ceremony and speeches by high-ranking UN representatives, followed by a discussion on the role of youth initiatives in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants discussed the contribution of young leaders to addressing global challenges, including issues of social justice, climate and inclusive development, emphasising the need to expand youth participation in decision-making. The forum also features sessions on clean water, affordable energy and innovative development, addressing issues of sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation and entrepreneurship. Turkmenistan’s participation confirms the country’s commitment to developing international cooperation in the fields of youth policy, education and sustainable development, whilst the forum itself serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and promoting the role of young people in addressing global challenges.
Discussions were held in Ashgabat on the entry of Turkmen brands into the EU market
15.04.2026Turkmenistan’s private sector is preparing to enter the EU market, focusing on high value-added products and the development of its own brands. On 13 April, a seminar organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) was held in Ashgabat, bringing together designers and representatives of the garment industry, according to the news agency Orient. For 29 small and medium-sized enterprises, participation in the EU trade development project served as a practical guide to the requirements of the European retail sector. The key objective is compliance with environmental and certification standards, including the principles of the ‘European Green Deal’. Participants studied market requirements and began developing their ‘Spring–Summer 2027’ collections, adapting national motifs for an international audience and shaping a unique brand identity. Particular attention was paid to product range strategy, visual merchandising and promotion – from collection planning to building a recognisable brand. The seminar served as preparation for participation in the ‘Who’s Next’ exhibition in Paris, where companies hope to establish contacts with buyers and strengthen their export potential.
The UNWTO has assessed the prospects for tourism development in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026Turkmenistan has the potential to become a competitive tourist destination, said Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to her, Central Asia is emerging as a promising tourist region due to its shared heritage, favourable geographical location and growing connectivity. She also highlighted the region’s stability and security, noting Turkmenistan’s important role. The country’s cooperation with the UNWTO focuses on sustainable development, diversification of tourism products, digitalisation and attracting investment. The organisation intends to continue supporting the realisation of the country’s tourism potential.
Turkmenistan and Lithuania are strengthening their cooperation with the European Union
15.04.2026A meeting took place in Brussels between Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, and Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the EU. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the European Union and expressed an interest in expanding it, according to IIC. The interlocutors noted the need to intensify political contacts, expand practical cooperation and improve the legal framework. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the ‘Global Gateway’ initiative. The priority areas identified were the development of transport connectivity, ensuring energy security, creating sustainable infrastructure and addressing climate issues. It was noted that cooperation in these areas contributes to the region’s economic development. The state of Turkmen-Lithuanian relations was also discussed. The parties confirmed their readiness to develop cooperation at the bilateral level and with European Union institutions.
Students from Turkmenistan beat Uzbekistan to become tournament champions
15.04.2026The Turkmenistan university team has won the volleyball competition at the CAVA 2026 Men’s and Women’s Universiade Games, an international sporting event for university teams from Central Asian countries. The tournament took place from 9 to 14 April in Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan), according to IIC. In the final match for the gold medals, the Turkmenistan national team faced the team from the Republic of Uzbekistan. In a hard-fought match, the Turkmen volleyball players secured a 3-1 victory and won the tournament’s gold medals. At the conclusion of the competition, the Turkmenistan national university team took first place.
The ‘TurkmenTourist’ app brings together travel services
15.04.2026The ‘Syýahatçy’ company unveiled an updated version of the ‘TurkmenTourist’ mobile app at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. A key new feature is the ability to purchase ‘Belavia’ airline tickets online. Users can book international flights directly through the app. The service is integrated with the ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’ (Turkmenistan Airlines) system, allowing users to manage routes within a single interface. Payment functionality has been expanded. The app supports Altyn Asyr cards, as well as the international Visa and MasterCard systems. In addition to ticket purchases, the service offers hotel bookings, customised tour selection, visa support and medical tourism services. The platform is being developed as a comprehensive digital solution for travel planning. Visitors to the exhibition can test the app’s updated features in real time.
The country’s tourism potential was showcased at a forum in Ashgabat
15.04.2026The Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, Atageldi Shamyradov, highlighted the country’s significant tourism potential at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ conference in Ashgabat. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to him, Turkmenistan is home to historical tourist sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include ancient Merv and Old Nisa, which attract foreign tourists. The potential for ecotourism was also highlighted. Popular destinations include the Koytendag caves and sites with dinosaur footprints, which continue to be studied by experts. The Minister reported on the development of cruise tourism on the Caspian Sea. Work is being carried out in collaboration with Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Iran. The ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ exhibition and conference are taking place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 April.
Turkmenistan has called for the depoliticisation of the energy sector and global security
15.04.2026The escalating tensions in the Middle East are heightening the risks to global and regional stability. Turkmenistan’s position on these issues was outlined by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in an interview during his visit to Austria. This was reported by Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to him, the visit to Austria confirmed the development of bilateral cooperation. The countries are cooperating in the fields of energy, transport, healthcare and the promotion of ‘green’ technologies. The role of cultural exchange was also highlighted. During the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, proposals were put forward to strengthen energy security. These included the interdependence of state security, the depoliticisation of the energy sector and the expansion of international cooperation. The interview paid particular attention to the situation in the Middle East. The Turkmen side expressed concern over a possible escalation and the risks of the use of weapons of mass destruction, which could affect the environment and the socio-economic situation in the region. Turkmenistan’s position on the Caspian region was also highlighted. The inadmissibility of military activity contrary to the provisions of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which establishes it as a zone of peace and cooperation, was emphasised. Turkmenistan consistently advocates the resolution of conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means and participates in international arms control initiatives.
A project to empower women has been implemented in Ashgabat
15.04.2026From 1 March to 10 April, a training course for women, organised with the support of the OSCE, took place in Ashgabat. The programme was aimed at developing practical skills and enhancing the economic independence of the participants, reports AsmanNews. The sessions took place at the ‘Binayim’ sewing workshop. Ten women from vulnerable groups took part in the course. They learnt national patchwork techniques and the basics of running a business. The programme included practical sewing sessions as well as consultations on legal and economic issues. The practical sessions were led by national trainer Umida Kadyrova. Ayjeren Orazberdiyeva, a representative of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, spoke on economic rights. Particular attention was paid to the use of recycled materials. The participants learnt methods of creating products at minimal cost whilst preserving traditional techniques. The organisers noted that the project aims to support women’s economic participation and the development of sustainable sources of income.
Turkmenistan’s sambo athletes won seven medals at the World Cup
15.04.2026The Turkmenistan national team won seven medals at the World Sambo Cup, which took place in Yerevan (Armenia). This was reported by the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. More than 289 athletes from 21 countries took part in the tournament. They competed in 33 weight categories in sports and combat sambo, as well as in the blind athletes’ category. At the end of the competition, the Turkmen sambo athletes won 1 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. Sanjarbek Avazberdiyev won the gold medal in combat sambo (up to 64 kg). He defeated opponents from Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazakhstan to take the top spot on the podium. Last year, he twice won silver at the World Cups. Hakberdi Jumayev won the bronze medal in the same weight category. He secured several victories during the tournament and was only defeated in the semi-finals. Silver medals in combat sambo were won by Ahmet Tanryberdiyev (up to 58 kg), Kerim Kerimov (up to 71 kg), Kurbanay Kurbanova (up to 50 kg) and Ziba Orunova (up to 65 kg). Ataniyaz Amangeldiyev secured another bronze medal in sport sambo (up to 88 kg). The World Cup in Yerevan was the first official tournament of 2026 on the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) calendar. The results count towards the world rankings.
A forum in Turkmenistan discussed the development of tourist routes
15.04.2026Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ international forum, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Turkey and Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that relations between the two countries are based on cultural ties, shared history and language. According to him, Turkmenistan holds special significance for the Turkish people as their ‘ancestral homeland’ and a place of enduring friendly ties. Alpaslan highlighted the role of tourism as a tool of ‘soft power’ and a form of inter-state dialogue. He added that Turkey is among the world leaders in the tourism sector and is ready to share its experience, technologies and approaches to infrastructure development. He also highlighted projects within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States. These included the development of modern Silk Road routes and the creation of integrated tourist itineraries linking cities across the region — from Merv to Konya and from Ashgabat to Istanbul.
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan are strengthening their partnership in the tourism sector
15.04.2026Erdenet Kasymov, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. Representatives of relevant government departments and industry organisations are taking part in the event, reports IIC. During his speech, he highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between countries in the region, including Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. The prospects for growth in mutual tourist flows and joint initiatives to promote the tourism potential of Central Asia were discussed. The issue of creating combined tourist routes featuring the natural and cultural attractions of both countries was raised separately. The exchange of experience in infrastructure development and improving the quality of tourist services was also discussed. Cooperation in tourism is seen as one of the areas for expanding bilateral ties and strengthening regional interaction.
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