News
An OSCE seminar on identifying victims of human trafficking was held in Ashgabat
01.05.2026On 28–29 April 2026, a seminar entitled ‘Identifying victims of human trafficking: strengthening national security through a multidisciplinary approach’ was held in Ashgabat, organised by the OSCE. This was reported by AsmanNews. The event was hosted by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Its aim was to present the practices of participating States in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing them with assistance. Experts from the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings spoke about indicators of such crimes and methods for profiling victims and offenders. The OSCE’s international obligations and the experience of countries in the region were also examined. Particular attention was paid to legislation and measures for the long-term support of victims. William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, stated that Turkmenistan is participating in international efforts to combat human trafficking. According to him, the seminar aims to develop an approach that takes into account the social and psychological aspects of working with victims. Participants discussed the importance of addressing the post-traumatic condition of victims and the need for inter-agency cooperation in identifying them. The seminar was attended by representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Bar Association and civil society organisations.
The development of ‘green’ energy was discussed at a business forum in Ashgabat
01.05.2026A Turkmen-Chinese business forum was held in Ashgabat, where cooperation in the electricity sector was discussed. This was reported by ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. S. Saparov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan, stated that there are 11 power stations operating in the country with a total capacity of 7,000 MW. This enables the country to meet domestic demand and increase electricity exports. Particular attention is being paid to the development of renewable energy sources and the reduction of emissions. In the Gyzylarbat etrap of Balkan velayat, a 10 MW solar-wind power station has been prepared for commissioning. A proposal from ‘Power China’ to build a 300 MW solar power plant using preferential long-term financing is also under consideration. China remains one of Turkmenistan’s key partners in the energy sector. The parties continue to discuss joint projects in the field of ‘green’ energy.
Turkmenistan is stepping up its cooperation with Chinese IT companies
01.05.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan held negotiations in Ashgabat with representatives of leading Chinese technology companies. The negotiations were attended by Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, and Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev, Minister of Communications. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the field of high technology. The talks focused on joint projects, including the establishment of research centres in the field of artificial intelligence, the implementation of Internet of Things and ‘smart city’ solutions, as well as the development of neural network and quantum technologies. Hajymyrat Hudayguliyev noted that artificial intelligence is regarded as a strategic priority. According to him, such technologies are important for improving the efficiency of public administration and the development of medicine, education and the economy. The negotiations were attended by representatives from ‘Huawei Technologies Co., LTD’, ‘FE ZTE INVESTMENT LLC’, ‘Shanghai DTSpace Futech Auto Tech Co.’, ‘Xinjiang Poplar Cable Manufacturing Co., Ltd.’ and ‘China Information and Communication Technologies Group Corporation’.
Representatives from Turkmenistan and Iran discussed cooperation at the UN
01.05.2026Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN, and Amir Saeid Iravani, Head of the Permanent Mission of Iran, held a bilateral negotiation. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of intergovernmental cooperation and the coordination of actions within the framework of the UN. The importance of regular political dialogue was noted. The need for joint work to strengthen regional and global security in accordance with the UN Charter was also emphasised.
Turkmenistan and TURKSOY discussed their cooperation plan for 2026
01.05.2026On 30 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed Turkmenistan’s current cooperation with TURKSOY. The main focus was on the implementation of the Joint Work Plan for 2026. They considered issues relating to the organisation of joint cultural events and projects aimed at preserving and promoting the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples. Prospects for expanding cooperation within the organisation were also discussed.
Ashgabat is set to become the hub for agro-industrial and food innovation in Central Asia
01.05.2026From 12 to 14 May, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the international exhibitions ‘Agro Pack Turkmenistan 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’. For the fifth time, they will serve as a key business platform for the agro-industrial and food sectors of Central Asia, according to the news agency Orient. The exhibitions will cover the entire production cycle — from food and beverages to processing and packaging technologies. A particular focus is placed on the agricultural sector: modern irrigation systems, equipment for greenhouses and livestock farming. Companies from Turkmenistan, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, China, the USA and Belarus have confirmed their participation, which strengthens international cooperation in the region. Interest in the exhibitions stems from Turkmenistan’s economic growth, the demand for new technologies, and the country’s development as a logistics hub due to its advantageous geographical location and routes across the Caspian Sea. The ‘Agro Pack’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan’ venues will also serve as a venue for B2B meetings with distributors, wholesale companies and government bodies, enabling participants to conclude commercial agreements.
Beijing hosted a cycle ride as part of Turkmenistan’s National Health Month
30.04.2026On 29 April in Beijing, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China organised a cycle ride to mark National Health Month. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by embassy diplomats, as well as young people from Turkmenistan and China. It was co-organised by the Chinese cycling association ‘Flying Pigeon’, the ‘China-Turkmenistan Cultural Centre’ and the bicycle manufacturer ‘Flying Pigeon’. The cycle ride was held under the slogan ‘Friendship between China and Turkmenistan, low-carbon health and youthful spirit’. The start and finish took place at the Turkmenistan National Pavilion, with the route running through the streets of the Dongjimen district.
Turkmenistan is studying Germany’s experience with a view to joining the WTO
30.04.2026Turkmenistan is stepping up its preparations for WTO accession by studying the experience of European countries. A series of meetings is taking place in Berlin from 27 April to 1 May, where a Turkmen delegation is analysing German approaches to the formulation of trade policy, according to the news agency Orient. The visit has been organised by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and aims to strengthen the expert base for cooperation with the organisation. During negotiations at relevant German ministries, issues such as market access, coordination within the framework of multilateral trade and institutional preparations for membership are being discussed. Particular attention is being paid to agricultural trade, export support and government-business cooperation. The topics of sustainable development and climate cooperation are also being addressed. According to the participants, the experience gained will help Turkmenistan improve its trade policy and prepare more effectively for integration into the global economy.
Turkmenistan and ‘Om Office Park’ discussed ways to strengthen cooperation
30.04.2026A meeting was held at the ‘Om Office Park’ headquarters with Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium. The company’s management thanked the diplomat for his visit and the constructive dialogue, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, noting the prospects for developing the partnership and outlining steps to strengthen it. Following the meeting, representatives of ‘Om Office Park’ expressed their readiness for active cooperation and the implementation of joint projects to develop business ties between Turkmenistan and its European partners.
Young people in Turkmenistan discussed the future of green cities
30.04.2026On 28 April, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction hosted an interactive seminar entitled ‘Green Cities through the Eyes of Youth’, organised with the support of UNDP. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, aimed at developing an energy-efficient and sustainable construction sector with funding from the Global Environment Facility. The seminar focused on fostering an environmental culture, developing leadership skills and deepening young people’s understanding of the principles of sustainable urban development. The discussions were attended by students from leading universities, SDG ambassadors, climate activists, as well as experts and international consultants from UNDP and the European Union’s ‘SECCA’ project. The organisers note that the event helped to increase youth participation in promoting sustainable urban solutions and strengthen their engagement with the global climate agenda.
GEELY presented more than 10 models at the exhibition in Ashgabat
30.04.2026At an exhibition held as part of the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum in Ashgabat, GEELY’s official distributor in Turkmenistan – the company ‘Bereket gözbaşy’ – showcased more than 10 models from the Chinese car manufacturer. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The GEELY Monjaro crossover attracted the most interest from visitors. According to company representative Altyn Mudraya, the car is equipped with 19 airbags and is adapted to operate in extreme weather conditions – from intense heat to freezing temperatures. The company offers customers finance schemes, direct deliveries from the factory and customised specifications. Car owners are provided with a three-year warranty, a service centre in Ashgabat and a permanent stock of original spare parts.
Turkmenistan and Moldova have outlined plans for parliamentary cooperation
30.04.2026On 28 April 2026, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Toyly Atayev paid a working visit to Chișinău. He held negotiations at the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. At the Parliament, Toyly Atayev met with Petru Burduja, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, agreed to organise reciprocal visits and expand contacts between relevant committees. Issues relating to trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation were also addressed. At a meeting with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – President Sergiu Haria and Vice-President Mihai Bilba – the parties considered prospects for increasing trade turnover and business contacts. The Ambassador provided information on Turkmenistan’s economic potential and invited Moldovan partners to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions in the country. The Moldovan side expressed interest in cooperation in the energy and chemical industries.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
