News
A delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held interparliamentary talks in Brussels
09.03.2026A meeting between a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Belgian parliamentarians took place in Brussels. The negotiations were led by Belgian Senator and Member of the Flemish Parliament Stephanie D'Hose, who previously served as President of the Senate. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Maksat Kulyev, Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on International and Interparliamentary Relations. It included deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation. The Turkmen delegation emphasised the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and presented information on socio-economic reforms in Turkmenistan, the activities of the Mejlis and the country's priorities in the areas of sustainable development, digitalisation, industry, ecology and international cooperation. Turkmenistan's interest in expanding interparliamentary and trade and economic ties with European partners was also noted. Belgian parliamentarians expressed interest in issues of Turkmenistan's economic development, key sectors of the economy and prospects for bilateral cooperation. They supported the strengthening of trade relations between Belgium and Turkmenistan and spoke in favour of developing direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue interparliamentary dialogue. The Belgian parliamentary delegation received an invitation to visit Turkmenistan for the next round of consultations.
Over 200 women in Turkmenistan have been awarded the title of ‘Ene mähri’
08.03.2026In Ashgabat and the administrative centres of the velayats, solemn ceremonies were held to honour women who have given birth to and raised eight or more children. According to a Decree by the President of Turkmenistan, they have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri’, reports IIC. This year, more than two hundred women in the country have received this award. Holders of this honorary title are entitled to a number of social benefits, including additional payments and a 30% increase in monthly child care allowances and pensions. As the award winners note, state support and improved housing conditions are an important recognition of their work and contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation. The celebrations are timed to coincide with International Women's Day. According to tradition, cash gifts on behalf of the Head of State are presented to all women in the country — employees of enterprises and organisations, pensioners, as well as students, schoolgirls and kindergarten pupils. In honour of the holiday, concerts and festive events with the participation of creative groups are held in all velayats and the capital.
Families with many children were given flats in the capital of Turkmenistan
08.03.2026In Ashgabat, on the eve of International Women's Day, 14 large families received keys to new flats. The new residents are mothers who have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene Mähri’, according to IIC. Each of these women has raised eight or more children. The presentation of the keys was part of the festivities dedicated to 8 March. The flats are located in modern residential buildings equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life. The new residents have spacious rooms, well-equipped kitchens and developed infrastructure at their disposal. The courtyards of the buildings feature children's playgrounds and recreation areas. It is noted that support for large families and respect for women as mothers remain important areas of state social policy. For fourteen Ashgabat families, this day was a special event and a symbol of the fulfilment of their dream of owning their own home.
In Turkmenistan, the plan for industry and construction has been exceeded in two months
08.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Baymyrat Annamammedov presented a report on the work of subordinate departments for January–February 2026. The fulfilment of the production and work plan amounted to 129.7%, according to the state news agency TDH. The figures for the various departments were as follows: Ministry of Construction and Architecture – 105.6%, Ministry of Industry and Construction – 122.3%, Ministry of Energy – 109.4%. For other organisations: Ministry of Road Transport – 108.6%, State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ — 158%, Ashgabat city administration — 119.4%. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for effective development of industrial sectors, strict compliance with construction standards and full utilisation of chemical enterprises.
Turkmenistan participates in new ADB project to modernise border crossing points
08.03.2026Turkmenistan has been included in the list of countries for which the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering providing technical support as part of the project ‘Development of New Generation Border Crossing Points for CAREC Countries’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan.’ Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are also participating in the project. The total amount of technical assistance is approximately US$1 million, with funding planned from the ADB's Special Fund. The support is aimed at modernising border crossing points using innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions. The CAREC programme provides for the preparation of projects under the BUILD mechanism for small projects along transport corridors. The main objectives of the assistance include developing documentation for three priority points, creating a methodology for implementing projects through BUILD, and training specialists from participating countries in the operation and management of border crossing points. In addition, Turkmenistan will participate in an ADB regional project on transboundary cooperation in the field of water resources and improving the resilience of water management to climate change.
Oil and gas production and processing volumes increased in Turkmenistan
08.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Guvanch Agajanov presented a report on efforts to increase production and expand oil and gas exports in January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ exceeded its oil production plan by 107.3%. The oil refining plan at the oil refinery was fulfilled by 107.1%, petrol production by 122.7%, diesel fuel by 106.4%, lubricating oils – by 102.7%, liquefied gas – by 119.7%, and natural and associated gas production – by 106.7%. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for comprehensive measures to increase hydrocarbon production and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the effective use of production capacities and the exploration of new reserves.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held a telephone conversation
07.03.2026On 7 March, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasising that international disputes should be resolved exclusively by peaceful and diplomatic means based on international law. The interlocutors also exchanged views on humanitarian issues in the region.
The Iranian Cultural Centre in Turkmenistan organised an exhibition and iftar
07.03.2026An exhibition of the Quran dedicated to the memory of the country's spiritual leader, Shahid Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, has opened at the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan. In addition, an iftar was organised to mark the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Orient news agency. The event was attended by the Mufti of Turkmenistan, students of Persian, artists and journalists. The Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi delivered welcoming speeches. The exhibition featured translations of the Quran into 14 languages and works of art that attracted the interest of visitors. All guests left messages in the book of condolences opened at the centre.
Turkmenistan summarises economic development results for the first two months of the year
07.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, presented a report on macroeconomic indicators for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As noted by the Deputy Prime Minister, GDP growth amounted to 6.3%. In industry, the indicator reached 1.9%, in construction – 6%, in the transport and communications sector – 10.5%, in trade – 8.5%, in agriculture – 2.4%, and in the service sector – 8.4%. Over two months, the volume of production increased by 10.3% compared to the same period last year. Retail turnover also grew by 10.3%, and foreign trade turnover by 0.8%. The revenue side of the state budget was executed at 102.1%, and the expenditure side at 97%. During the reporting period, salaries, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships were paid on time. The volume of investments from all sources of financing increased by 21.3%. The progress of the National Rural Programme and the construction of various facilities in the country were also reported. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the need to continue working on economic development, maintain high GDP growth rates, monitor the implementation of production plans by ministries and departments, and ensure the socio-economic development of velayats.
Fans of FC ‘Arkadag’ raised the flag of Turkmenistan to a height of 5,137 metres
07.03.2026From 1 to 6 March, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, members of the ‘Arkadag’ Football Club fan club climbed Turkey's highest peak, Mount Ararat. This was reported by IIC. The expedition was timed to coincide with the announcement of 2026 under the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. The initiative is aimed at developing sports diplomacy and promoting an active lifestyle. The group was led by Turkmen student and mountaineer Agajan Ovlyakuliyev. Over six days, the participants conquered a difficult high-altitude route and reached the summit of Ararat at an altitude of 5,137 metres, where they unfurled the national flag of Turkmenistan, the logo of FC ‘Arkadag’ and the symbol of 2026. In addition, with the assistance of the Embassy and on the initiative of Turkmen students, ‘Arkadag’ fan clubs were established in Ankara and Antalya. According to the organisers, this demonstrates the growing interest in the Turkmen club abroad and the active participation of young people in the development of cultural and sporting ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan continues to work on improving legislation
07.03.2026On 6 March, during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, reported on the activities of the parliament for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was reported that work is continuing on amendments and additions to a number of regulatory acts, including the Code of Administrative Offences, the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, as well as laws on migration, fisheries, licensing of certain types of activities and accounting. It was noted that in the run-up to the elections of members of the Halk Maslahaty, scheduled for 29 March, electoral districts are being provided with organisational and methodological assistance and explanatory work is being carried out on issues of electoral legislation. In addition, during this period, the credentials of the Ambassadors of Chad and Indonesia were accepted, and five meetings were held with representatives of parliaments and diplomatic missions of foreign states. Deputies and specialists of the Mejlis took part in 14 specialised seminars and made three official trips abroad to study international experience. After hearing the information, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to further improve national legislation.
The 9th interparliamentary meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Parliament was held in Brussels
07.03.2026On 5 March, the 9th interparliamentary meeting between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the European Parliament took place in Brussels. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Turkmen delegation presented the main directions of the country's foreign policy, based on the principles of peacefulness, humanism and an ‘open door’ policy, and also spoke about the current legislative activities of the national parliament. The parties noted the active participation of the Mejlis in the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. It was emphasised that there are 15 inter-parliamentary friendship groups with the legislative bodies of the European Union states operating in the Turkmenistan parliament, and that cooperation between relevant committees is developing. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's geo-economic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which creates significant potential for expanding political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the regions. The meeting participants also noted the results of the 24th meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan-European Union’ Joint Committee, held in Ashgabat in November 2025. The meeting discussed issues related to the development of trade relations, the modernisation and digitalisation of transport infrastructure, cooperation in the energy sector, environmental protection, and the implementation of humanitarian and educational projects. In addition, joint initiatives to modernise the education system in Turkmenistan, introduce digital technologies into the educational process, and train qualified specialists were positively assessed.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
