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The Italian Ambassador presented copies of his credentials in Ashgabat
15.04.2026On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Martin Brook, the new Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan. The diplomat presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him every success in his work. He noted the importance of developing Turkmen-Italian cooperation. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the reception and stated his readiness to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries. The parties reaffirmed the consistent nature of their relations and emphasised the importance of regular contacts at various levels. In this context, the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Italian Republic in October 2025 was noted. Areas of cooperation in the trade, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed. Particular mention was made of cooperation within the UN framework and the significance of the archaeological exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’, which took place last year in Rome. The parties also expressed their support for the continuation of business forums involving the business communities of both countries.
The potential for tourism in relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan was highlighted
15.04.2026Kanan Firovsi oglu Aliyev, Chief of Staff at the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke at the ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ International Forum in Turkmenistan. The event brings together representatives of the tourism industry from various countries, reports IIC. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of expanding regional cooperation and the potential for collaboration between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism. Joint itineraries, the exchange of expertise and the strengthening of ties between relevant organisations were discussed. It was also noted that both countries possess significant opportunities for the development of tourism thanks to their cultural heritage, infrastructure projects and geographical location. The development of partnership in this sphere is seen as a factor in strengthening bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan and the WHO discussed the development of their partnership in the health sector
15.04.2026On 14 April, a meeting took place in Ashgabat between Myahri Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Egor Zaitsev, Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. They discussed the current cooperation between Turkmenistan and the WHO and its development in key areas. They also reviewed the outcomes of the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, which took place in Ashgabat in February. It was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan and the WHO. The parties also discussed joint activities planned for this year. At the conclusion of the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation and implementing joint projects in the field of public health.
‘Nazarly Arzuw’ presented a fresh perspective on tourism at ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’
15.04.2026The International Forum ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’, dedicated to the development of tourism in Central Asia, has kicked off in Turkmenistan. One of the notable participants was the company ‘Nazarly Arzuw’, which presented a concept for travel along the Silk Road with an emphasis on authentic experiences and the region’s ‘hidden gems’, reports IIC. The company focuses on an in-depth immersion in the culture and history of Central Asian countries, offering itineraries ranging from Uzbek bazaars to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the deserts of Turkmenistan. Particular attention is paid to a personalised approach: tours are tailored to travellers’ interests. Participation in the forum enabled ‘Nazarly Arzuw’ to establish itself as a major player in the regional tourism market. The organisers note that ‘Turkmentravel – 2026’ remains a platform for professional dialogue and the promotion of the region’s tourism potential.
UNDP is introducing laser technology to promote sustainable agriculture in Turkmenistan
15.04.2026UNDP in Turkmenistan has handed over two sets of equipment for laser levelling of agricultural land to the district administration of Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi in Dashoguz velayat and to the ‘Obahyzmat’ production association in the Darganata etrap of the Lebap velayat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The handover took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan on sustainable land management in the Aral Sea basin, supported by the GEF. The new technology enables fields to be levelled with precision, improving the distribution of irrigation water, reducing soil salinisation and waterlogging, and increasing crop yields. The equipment will be used on pilot sites, with subsequent roll-out to farmers. Training sessions on how to use the technology have already been held for specialists and local farmers. The project aims to restore degraded land, conserve ecosystems and introduce sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The Turkmenistan national team won three medals on the first day of the Sambo World Cup in Yerevan
14.04.2026The Sambo and Combat Sambo World Cup has kicked off in Yerevan, featuring around 300 athletes from 21 countries. The Turkmenistan national team started the tournament successfully, winning three medals on the first day of competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. In combat sambo, silver medals were won by Kurbanay Kurbanova (up to 50 kg) and Zyba Orunova (up to 65 kg), both of whom confidently reached the finals in their respective categories. In sport sambo, Ataniyaz Amangeldyev, representing the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, took bronze in the up to 88 kg weight class. The first day’s results—two silver and one bronze medal—marked a strong start for the team and confirmed the level of development of sambo in Turkmenistan.
A Turkmen designer took part in the “Maroc Fashion Week 2026” in Marrakech
14.04.2026Turkmen designer Govkher Guvernet-Pirkulyeva took part in the “Maroc Fashion Week 2026” in Marrakech, where she presented her own collection on an international runway. This was reported by the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. The show brought together designers, buyers, and representatives of the fashion industry from various countries, serving as a platform to promote Morocco’s fashion sector on the global stage. As part of the fashion week, designers from China, France, and Turkmenistan showcased their work, along with Moroccan brands. Participants also included well-known fashion houses such as Max Mara and Gérard Darel. “Maroc Fashion Week” is positioned as the country’s first fashion week and aims to develop the creative industry and promote both traditional and contemporary Moroccan fashion.
Turkmenistan has concluded export deals with partners from Türkiye and Uzbekistan
14.04.2026On April 13, during exchange trading on the external market, deals were concluded between foreign and Turkmen suppliers for a total amount of $26.6 million, according to the press service of the State Commodity and Raw Material Exchange of Turkmenistan. Businesspeople from Türkiye purchased technical sulfuric acid from the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya,” and also concluded agreements with Turkmen entrepreneurs for the supply of cotton yarn. In addition, representatives of the business sector from Uzbekistan reached an agreement with the State Concern “Turkmennebit” on supplies of base oil of the “CN-600” grade.
Turkmenistan has joined the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the 2027–2030 term
14.04.2026At the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, Turkmenistan was elected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term. The country will begin its work in the commission on January 1, 2027, according to the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The election is seen as recognition of Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of scientific and technological cooperation and opens additional opportunities for participation in the international agenda in the fields of science, innovation, and digitalization. The CSTD is a functional body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established in 1992. It serves as a key intergovernmental platform for discussing issues of science, technology, and innovation and their impact on sustainable development. The commission consists of 43 member states, elected for four-year terms with consideration of regional balance. International organizations, the scientific community, and business representatives also participate in its work. The main tasks of the CSTD include analyzing technological trends, supporting innovation, reducing the digital divide, developing the scientific and technological capacities of developing countries, and promoting international cooperation. The commission holds annual sessions in Geneva, where recommendations are developed for ECOSOC and priorities in science and technology are discussed in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For participating countries, membership in the commission provides access to expert analysis, the opportunity to influence the global science and technology agenda, and to strengthen international ties in the field of innovation.
The special representative of Xi Jinping will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the “Galkynysh”
14.04.2026Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan from April 15 to 17 and will take part in the ceremony marking the start of construction of the fourth phase of the gas field “Galkynysh,” according to the news agency Orient. The Vice Premier of China’s State Council will visit Turkmenistan as the special representative of the President of China Xi Jinping. The project is viewed as key for expanding Turkmen gas exports to China and strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The new phase will serve as a basis for stable supplies via additional routes of the gas pipeline. As part of the visit, the seventh meeting of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Chinese committee will also be held, where the sides will discuss investment, technological development, personnel training, and issues of energy security. The visit is timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the energy partnership between Turkmenistan and China, which is currently developing toward deeper strategic and technological cooperation.
Turkmenistan and UNDP have outlined new areas of cooperation
14.04.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, held a protocol meeting with the Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, Ivana Zivkovic. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The interlocutors discussed key areas for the development and renewal of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation in the fields of sustainable development and digitalization, as well as to the implementation of Turkmenistan’s priority tasks within the framework of its partnership with UNDP.
“TurkmenTravel 2026” has opened a platform for international dialogue in the field of tourism
14.04.2026The international exhibition and forum “TurkmenTravel 2026” has begun at the building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The event has brought together representatives of government agencies, the tourism sector, the investment community, as well as international experts and technology developers, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum has become a platform for professional dialogue, exchange of experience, and the development of international cooperation in the field of tourism. The discussions focus on strengthening Turkmenistan’s position in the global tourism market and promoting the national tourism brand. Special attention is being paid to issues of sustainable development in the industry, environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage, and the introduction of international standards for the management of tourist facilities. The exhibition features digital solutions for the industry, including online booking systems, virtual tours, and analytical platforms. Issues related to infrastructure development and investment attraction are also being discussed, including through public-private partnership mechanisms. The agenda also includes international cooperation with UN Tourism and UNESCO, as well as training personnel and developing academic mobility in the hospitality sector. Participation in the forum provides industry professionals with opportunities to establish business contacts and shape strategic directions for tourism development.
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