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Enrolment has opened in Turkmenistan for an online course for teachers
20.08.2026The US Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a call for applications from English language teachers for a free online course entitled ‘Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The course is being run as part of the ‘Online Professional English Network’ project, with the support of the US Department of State. The programme focuses on modern methods of teaching academic writing. Participants will learn about text structure, formulating theses, argumentation, preparing introductions and conclusions, as well as working on the main body of written assignments. The sessions will be held online. Registration is open until 28 September 2026. Applications are open to professionals in the field of English language teaching.
The Turkmenistan 3x3 basketball team will compete in a tournament in Singapore
20.08.2026The Turkmenistan U23 3x3 basketball team is set to take part in the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 international tournament. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The competition will take place from 20 to 26 August in Singapore at the SCAPE Arena. Taking part in the Nations League will give the Turkmen athletes the opportunity to improve their skills and exchange experiences with the world’s strongest teams.
Turkmenistan and Japan discussed the development of bilateral relations
20.08.2026On 19 August, a meeting took place in Tokyo between A. Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, and T. Ishigaki, the newly appointed Special Representative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan for Central Asia and the Caucasus. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and high-level visits, according to the press office of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan. During the meeting, the rapid pace of development in bilateral relations was noted, underpinned by the two visits by the President of Turkmenistan to Japan which took place in 2025. The parties exchanged views on the further development of political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian ties. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese High-Level Committees on Economic Cooperation, which is scheduled for December 2026 in Tokyo.
The international exhibition ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ has opened in Ashgabat
20.08.2026The ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ international exhibition and trade fair has opened in Ashgabat at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event has provided a platform for leading manufacturers and suppliers of children’s goods and services, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 companies from over 30 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Japan and Iran, are taking part in the exhibition. Visitors are presented with a wide range of products — from baby food, goods for newborns and cosmetics to educational technology and school supplies. The Expo Centre is divided into themed zones. The venue features a book fair, workshops on pottery, fashion design and shopping bag painting, advice stands run by educational centres offering career guidance, as well as a food court serving refreshments and ice cream. For the first time, the ‘Kids Expo-Chess Cup 2026’ chess championship is being held as part of the exhibition. Schoolchildren from eight countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran – are taking part in the rapid and blitz competitions. The programme also includes a mental arithmetic tournament and a children’s fashion show featuring local designers, representatives of the children’s fashion industry and young models. The exhibition’s business programme also kicked off on 19 August: participants are holding meetings and negotiations, presenting projects and discussing prospects for cooperation. The exhibition will run until 22 August.
‘Turkmenistan’ is set to expand its flight schedule from 25 October
19.08.2026From 25 October, ‘Turkmenistan’ Airlines will increase the number of flights from Ashgabat to Kazan from four to six per week. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Flights on this route currently operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. From 25 October, flights will also be added on Thursdays and Fridays. The departure times for a number of flights will also change: the Sunday flight T5-737 will be moved from the morning to the evening – instead of 09:25, the aircraft will depart at 22:45. The airline will also increase flight frequency on other routes. The number of flights to Ho Chi Minh City will increase from two to three a week with the addition of a Friday flight; to Seoul from one to two with the addition of a Thursday flight; and to Milan from two to three with the addition of a Friday flight. It was previously reported that from 25 October, the frequency of flights to Istanbul will also increase — from 12 to 13 a week. However, the number of flights to Delhi will be reduced from three to two a week: the Saturday flight will be removed from the timetable. On routes to Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, London and Frankfurt, the frequency of flights will remain unchanged, but the departure times of some flights will be adjusted.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed cooperation in the media sector
19.08.2026On 18 August 2026, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, M. Seyitmammedov, met with the Executive Director of the Qatar Media Corporation, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the media sector. Particular attention was paid to collaboration between the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and the Qatar Media Corporation, as well as to the exchange of expertise. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan outlined the main directions of Turkmenistan’s foreign and domestic policies, spoke about the country’s achievements and the international events being held to mark the 35th anniversary of state independence. The parties also emphasised the importance of reciprocal visits by high-level delegations and participation in international forums and academic conferences.
Turkmenistan and Finland are developing cooperation in the digital sector
19.08.2026Representatives from the International University for the Humanities and Development are taking part in a study visit to Helsinki, which is taking place from 17 to 22 August as part of the European Union’s regional project ‘Connectivity for Central Asia’ (C4CA). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of the Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented by Laurea University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Finnish Institute of Public Administration (HAUS). The programme aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and foster cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, communication technologies and digital infrastructure. During the visit, N. Shikhlyev, Vice-Rector of the International University for the Humanities and Development, discussed areas of cooperation and joint initiatives in the fields of education and science with the project leaders. The parties agreed to implement part of the project at the International University for the Humanities and Development. The participants also examined Finland’s experience in the fields of digital development, e-infrastructure and the implementation of digital solutions in higher education and public administration.
The MFA of Turkmenistan discussed the development of Turkmen-Iranian relations
19.08.2026On 18 August, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Seyed Mostafa Hosseinipour, the newly appointed Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the city of Mary. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the start of the meeting, the Consul-General presented his consular commission, after which he was presented with his consular exequatur. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Iranian cooperation and the further development of friendly and good-neighbourly relations. The Consul-General expressed his readiness to contribute to the strengthening of bilateral ties and the intensification of consular cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed cooperation within the framework of the ECO
19.08.2026On 17 August 2026, a meeting took place in Tehran between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation (ECO), Ilyas Gayipov, and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Permanent Representative to the ECO, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the development of cooperation within the framework of international organisations, including the United Nations, as well as key events during Pakistan’s chairmanship of the ECO in 2026–2027. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 30th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation, which will take place on 15–16 November in Islamabad. The interlocutors noted the importance of regular political dialogue for expanding co-operation between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed the participants at ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’
19.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the participants and guests of the international exhibition and fair ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ on its opening in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message noted that in Turkmenistan, priority is given to the all-round development of children and young people, their physical health, spiritual upbringing, education and mastery of modern technologies. To this end, the country is creating the necessary conditions and opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills and creative abilities. The Head of State emphasised that the annual ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition provides specialist companies, educational centres and international organisations with an opportunity to showcase products, services, modern innovations and promising areas of development for children. The exhibition features sections dedicated to cognitive development, creativity, art, music and sport. The event also includes competitions and contests for children. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of preparing the younger generation for social life, developing their creative potential, and fostering their moral and patriotic education. The President of Turkmenistan wished the participants and guests of the exhibition good health, well-being and success.
Turkmenistan and Japan are preparing for a new meeting of the economic committee
19.08.2026On 17 August, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, met with the newly appointed President of the Japan Business Association, Y. Kanehana of ROTOBO. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation, which is to be held in Tokyo from 14 to 16 December 2026. There was also an exchange of views on joint initiatives, including projects in the field of the circular economy.
The opponents for ‘Arkadag’ Football Club in the AFC Champions League 2 have been announced
19.08.2026The draw for the group stage of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League-2 took place in Kuala Lumpur. The reigning champions of Turkmenistan, ‘Arkadag’ Football Club, will compete in Group B, reports IIC. The Turkmen side’s opponents will be ‘Al-Jazira’ from the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s ‘Gol Gohar’ and Bahrain’s ‘Al-Muharraq’. Following the draw, ‘Al-Jazira’ were placed in Pot 1, ‘Gol Gohar’ in Pot 2, ‘Al-Muharraq’ in Pot 3 and ‘Arkadag’ in Pot 4. The group stage will begin on 15 September 2026. The tournament final is scheduled for 15 May 2027. ‘Arkadag’s fixture list will be published at a later date.
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