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Turkmenistan is strengthening international cooperation
17.08.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by events in the fields of international cooperation, environmental diplomacy, regional development and sport. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 12 August, events dedicated to Caspian Sea Day took place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The main event was the scientific and practical conference ‘Preserving the Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development’. The forum was attended by representatives of the Government, ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, scientific institutions, diplomatic missions, and international and regional organisations. Participants discussed issues relating to the conservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, the protection of rare species of flora and fauna, the establishment of a Caspian scientific partnership, and the development of trade, economic and transport links between the Caspian states. Particular attention was paid to the role of young people in combating climate change and ensuring environmental security. As part of the events, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, held meetings with representatives of the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The parties discussed the sustainable development of the Caspian region, environmental protection and environmental diplomacy. Sports competitions were also held at ‘Awaza’, involving heads and representatives of diplomatic missions from foreign countries and international organisations. Another significant event was the working visit by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Mary velayat and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, the Hero Arkadag held negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Cabinet of Ministers for Economic Affairs. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic ties, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline project, transport and electricity infrastructure, as well as digital cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline, the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ fibre-optic communication line project and the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ international transport corridor. The parties also discussed the training of specialists for the gas sector, increasing the number of Afghan students in Turkmenistan, the development of industrial infrastructure in Herat Province, and the strengthening of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. Following the meeting, the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and Afghanistan’s State Corporation ‘Afghan Gas’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document provides for joint work to establish infrastructure in Herat Province to supply industrial enterprises, power stations and the population with Turkmen natural gas. On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan visited the city of Arkadag. He familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting with the heads of the relevant agencies. D. Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor, presented plans for a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex. Issues relating to the development of football were considered separately. D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Hero Arkadag asked that the athletes be wished every success in their upcoming competitions. During the meeting, the pace of construction of the second phase of the project, as well as the quality and timing of their commissioning, were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of the specialised school’s operations, its curriculum, and the provision of digital updates to parents regarding pupils’ academic progress and discipline. In addition, it was announced that the name of the 30,000-seat mosque currently under construction in the city – ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ – had been registered. A proposal to grant the madrasah being built next to the mosque the status of a higher education institution was also considered. On 14 August, a festive sadaqah was held in the town of Arkadag to mark the registration of the ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ mosque. Those attending the event also visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers.
Turkmenistan will present new initiatives at the UN General Assembly session
17.08.2026At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan will present initiatives aimed at strengthening international peace and security, and promoting preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, and climate and humanitarian cooperation. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Among the proposals is the holding of intergovernmental consultations on the preparation of a Universal Peace Strategy based on the principles of peace, security and preventive diplomacy. Turkmenistan will also propose declaring 2027–2037 ‘The United Nations Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy’ and establishing, within the framework of the UN, a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. Work will continue on implementing President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposal to establish a University of Peace and Neutrality. In particular, there are plans to discuss the creation of an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy within the Department of Peace and Neutrality at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Particular attention will be paid to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Turkmenistan will advocate for the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. A dialogue among international experts on issues of digital trust and the responsible use of AI is also planned to take place in Ashgabat. In the field of preventive diplomacy, Turkmenistan will propose that the UN General Assembly consider a draft resolution on ‘The Role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia’. Transport and trade logistics will feature prominently on the agenda. Turkmenistan will continue to implement the resolution on the ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035’, as well as work on the creation of the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. A proposal will be put forward to consider establishing an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation in Turkmenistan under the auspices of the UN. In addition, the country will propose the creation, under the patronage of the UN, of a trans-regional transport corridor linking South and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea. The environmental and climate agenda will also remain a priority. Turkmenistan will propose the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and put forward initiatives to strengthen climate resilience in regions affected by drought and water scarcity. There are also plans to hold consultations on the preparation of the high-level forum ‘Sustainable Energy for All’. In the humanitarian sphere, Turkmenistan will continue to develop the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue and cooperate with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Women within the framework of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. At the same time, youth participation in international and regional initiatives under the ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ agenda will be expanded. In the field of international law, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. As part of the preparations for this, it is proposed to hold an International Forum in Turkmenistan on the interrelationship between international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development. Turkmenistan will also continue its work as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2026–2028 and its participation in the activities of other bodies within the UN system. As part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, preparations are under way to put forward Turkmenistan’s candidacy for election to the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032, as well as to other elected bodies of the United Nations.
Environmental infrastructure is being strengthened in ‘Awaza’
17.08.2026Comprehensive development of the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone is continuing on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea. Particular attention is being paid to expanding green spaces and modern tourist infrastructure, reports AsmanNews. Work on greening the coastline began in autumn 2009. As a result, a strip of greenery stretching over 12 kilometres in length and approximately 300 metres in width has been created. Hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs resistant to local climatic conditions have been planted here, including pines, thuja, cypresses, plane trees and olive trees. The park areas are irrigated using drip and sprinkler systems with biologically treated water. The man-made woodlands help to protect the resort from dust and mitigate the effects of the summer heat. Cycling infrastructure is also being developed in Awaza. A 3,000-space car park, opened in 2016 at the entrance to the resort area, has helped to restrict vehicle traffic within the resort. The expansion of forest and park areas is provided for in the ‘National Forest Programme of Turkmenistan for 2026–2030’. Their protection and sustainable use are regulated by the Forest Code of Turkmenistan. Awaza remains one of the hubs for environmental cooperation in the region. In 2012, the First Caspian Environmental Forum was held here. Every year on 12 August, Turkmenistan celebrates Caspian Sea Day. The resort offers facilities for climatotherapy, balneology and active leisure. Modern health resorts operate along the coast, including the ‘Awaza’ sanatorium. On 9 December 2025, a branch of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship was opened here. The resort area is also used to host state and sporting events, including the ‘Amul–Hazar’ horse race, held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Indonesia on its Independence Day
17.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, on the Republic of Indonesia’s national holiday — Independence Day. This was reported by AsmanNews. The Head of State wished Prabowo Subianto good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Indonesia peace, progress and prosperity.
The Head of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the country’s participation in EXPO 2027
17.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Resolution on the country’s participation in the EXPO-2027 World Specialised Exhibition, which is to be held in 2027 in Belgrade (Serbia). This was reported by the news agency TDH. According to the document, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs has been authorised to construct and assemble Turkmenistan’s national pavilion, as well as to carry out other necessary work in preparation for participation in the exhibition. The decision is aimed at showcasing the country’s socio-economic achievements and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign states.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the development of freight transport
16.08.2026Representatives of Uzbekistan’s transport and logistics sector discussed measures to develop freight transport between the two countries with Shadurdy Meredov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan. The meeting took place in Tashkent, according to the news agency Orient. The discussion was attended by representatives of the Centre for Transport Studies, the Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Association of International Road Hauliers and major freight forwarding companies. The Uzbek side proposed simplifying transport procedures and reducing border crossing times. In particular, the discussion centred on electronic visa processing for drivers, reducing associated fees and speeding up procedures at the ‘Farab–Alat’ border crossing. It was also proposed to establish a ‘green corridor’ for lorries carrying perishable goods and to build a second bridge on the neutral strip. The parties considered revising weight and size restrictions, expanding the use of the Turkmenbashi Seaport’s infrastructure for road and rail transport, and resuming direct scheduled air services. The Embassy of Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to forward the Uzbek side’s proposals to the relevant state authorities for further consideration and the development of joint solutions.
Turkmenistan will present photographic works at the UNESCO exhibition in Almaty
16.08.2026Photographs from Turkmenistan will be included in a UNESCO exhibition dedicated to the culture, traditions and natural heritage of Central Asia. The exhibition is due to take place in autumn 2026 in Almaty, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The exhibition will showcase the best entries from the international photography competition ‘Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity’. In addition to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will take part in the exhibition. The photographs will depict traditional livestock farming, intangible cultural heritage, the lives of local communities, pastures and the region’s natural landscapes. The works were selected by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty as part of the International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists. The competition was open to professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and over.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Bangladesh
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues relating to political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the further development of inter-agency and intergovernmental contacts. Following the political consultations held in Ashgabat, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation and implement the agreements reached. The effectiveness of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Bangladesh within the framework of international and regional organisations was also noted. The parties reaffirmed the importance of mutual support for initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Head of the MFA of Turkmenistan met with the outgoing Turkish Ambassador
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, met with Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in the country. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of Turkmen-Turkish relations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the role of mutual visits at the highest and senior levels in strengthening bilateral ties. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The parties noted the development of trade relations and their interest in increasing trade turnover. They also reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation within international and regional organisations, primarily the UN, and to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties. Ahmet Demirok expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for their support during his diplomatic tenure. Rashid Meredov highlighted the Ambassador’s personal contribution to the development of Turkmen-Turkish relations and wished him every success in his future endeavours.
Turkmenistan is developing its education system
16.08.2026In the documents of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, education is defined as one of the key factors in the country’s socio-economic and cultural development. The main focus is on improving the quality of training, the digitalisation of education and the development of modern skills, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Electronic systems and interactive educational platforms are being introduced across the country, whilst the study of the exact sciences, engineering and IT, as well as foreign languages, is being expanded. Modern schools, nurseries and higher education institutions are being built, including in the city of Arkadag. The development of education is also linked to the upbringing of young people based on national values. The educational process combines modern teaching methods with the study of Turkmenistan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as the fostering of patriotism, a strong work ethic and high moral and ethical standards. Particular attention is paid to young people as participants in scientific and innovative development. The country is creating the conditions for research activities, support for youth start-ups, innovation proposals and academic initiatives. Educational institutions are training specialists for high-tech industries and management. The concept for the development of the education system envisages a shift towards fostering critical thinking and professional competences, the expansion of digital technologies, the creation of digital libraries and distance-learning platforms, as well as the development of IT education. Key priorities remain the alignment of education with the needs of the energy sector, industry, the agro-industrial complex and the digital sector, the promotion of multilingualism, and the construction of modern educational and research institutions. The implementation of these priorities is regarded as the foundation for training qualified personnel and for the further socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Bangladesh held their first political consultations
16.08.2026On 15 August 2026, the first political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh took place in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, whilst the Bangladeshi delegation was led by Ambassador Nazrul Islam, Secretary for Bilateral Relations (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The parties discussed the state of political and diplomatic relations and agreed to continue regular contacts. They noted the desirability of reciprocal visits at the highest and senior levels, as well as between the Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the expansion of the legal and treaty framework, and the development of inter-parliamentary ties. The negotiations also examined the prospects for trade and economic cooperation. In particular, discussions centred on establishing cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The oil and gas sector, transport, agriculture and the textile industry were identified as promising areas for cooperation. In addition, the parties discussed cooperation in the fields of culture, education and tourism. The participants reaffirmed their interest in the further development of a mutually beneficial partnership.
A sadaqah was held in Turkmenistan to mark the registration of a new mosque
16.08.2026On 14 August, a celebratory sadaqah was held at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre in the city of Arkadag to mark the presentation of the registration certificate for the new mosque, ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The name of the mosque, which has a capacity of 30,000 people, was approved following suggestions from the local community and registered by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the established procedure. The day before, on 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the city of Arkadag, where he familiarised himself with the plans for the second phase of construction. At a working meeting, he was informed of the registration of the new mosque’s name. During the sadaqah, the Mufti of Turkmenistan recited the ‘tebarek’ prayer and offered supplications for peace, prosperity and the unity of the people. Participants in the event were served traditional dishes. After the sadaqah, the elders visited the Gokdepe Mosque, where they performed Friday prayers. During the prayer, verses from the Holy Quran were recited and prayers were offered for the country’s prosperity, unity and a peaceful life for the people.
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