News
Turkmenistan and the FAO have launched a project on livestock breeding
03.09.2026On 1 September in Ashgabat, a joint project was signed online between the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The document concerns the launch of the project ‘Improving services for cattle breeding and artificial insemination’, reports the news website Turkmenportal. On the Turkmen side, the document was signed by Gochmyrat Atayev, Chairman of the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan. On behalf of the FAO, the document was signed by Viorel Gutu, Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia. The aim of the project is to increase the cattle herd through selective breeding and to build national capacity to provide artificial insemination services using digital technologies. The project involves improving the legislative framework for breeding livestock, as well as strengthening the technical capacity of specialists and laboratories, including the provision of equipment. Funding will amount to US$180,000, with completion scheduled for 2028. Following the project’s implementation, it is planned to develop a strategic roadmap, draw up standard operating procedures and introduce a national information system for livestock breeding. Provision has also been made for the preparation of an updated national herd book and a set of legal and regulatory recommendations to improve the genetic potential of livestock. The parties expect that the project will boost livestock productivity, strengthen food security and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country’s rural areas. Following the ceremony, the parties expressed their interest in continuing their cooperation.
Turkmen wrestlers won gold and bronze at the Nomad Games
03.09.2026Athletes from Turkmenistan won gold and bronze on the first day of the wrestling competition at the 6th World Nomad Games, which are being held in the Kyrgyz Republic. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. On 1 September, at the ‘Gazprom’ sports and fitness centre in Cholpon-Ata, the competitions in the over-100kg weight category for three wrestling disciplines – Mongolian wrestling, kurash and goresh – came to an end. This was announced by the tournament organisers. Annagurban Allaberdiyev secured gold for the Turkmen national team by winning the Goresh – the national style of wrestling. The silver in this discipline went to Asankeldi Nurkazym uulu of Kyrgyzstan, whilst the bronze medals were shared between athletes from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Kemal Kemalov added another medal to the Turkmenistan team’s tally by winning bronze in kurash. First place in this wrestling discipline went to Numonjon Rajabov of Uzbekistan, with silver going to Sadegh Azarang of Iran, whilst the second bronze was won by a representative from Kyrgyzstan. In Mongolian wrestling, the gold was won by Anar Dorj of Mongolia, the silver by Monge Ertine Kuular of Russia, and the bronze medals went to athletes from China and Kyrgyzstan. The winners of the competitions received cash prizes of 100,000 som, the silver medallists 80,000 som, and the bronze medallists 50,000 som. The 6th World Nomad Games are taking place from 31 August to 6 September, with the main events organised in Cholpon-Ata. Athletes from more than 100 countries are taking part in the events, which feature competitions across 43 sports.
The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of educational reforms
03.09.2026During his address at the official opening ceremony for the new building complexes of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, noted that the development of science and education remains one of the key priorities of state policy. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Head of State emphasised the importance of improving the education system, strengthening its material and technical base, introducing cutting-edge scientific achievements and training highly qualified specialists. The President of Turkmenistan also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fields of education and science. According to the Head of State, the commissioning of modern student clusters in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat reflects the educational reforms currently being implemented in the country.
Turkmenistan is marking the 35th anniversary of its independence with achievements and new projects
03.09.2026The year 2026, held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. In this anniversary year, the results of the reforms carried out are being assessed and the main directions for further development are being determined, reports the news agency TDH. Over the years of independence, Turkmenistan has established a national legislative and legal framework, implemented socio-economic development programmes and created a modern infrastructure. Industry, transport, energy and other sectors of the economy are developing. Key areas of state policy remain the diversification of the economy, industrialisation, digitalisation, the introduction of innovations, the development of import substitution and the expansion of export potential. Social programmes are aimed at raising the standard of living of the population. The modernisation of the education and science systems is continuing. The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan is being developed, and cooperation between universities and scientific institutions, as well as with foreign partners, is expanding. The opening of new educational facilities is planned for 2026. The healthcare system is also being improved. As part of the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, medical facilities and sanatoriums are being built and modernised, their material and technical infrastructure is being upgraded, and the skills of specialists are being enhanced. Furthermore, mass sport and physical education are being developed across the country. Modern sports facilities are in operation in Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the velayats. Turkmen athletes continue to take part in international competitions. Equestrian sports and events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place. State policy in the field of culture is aimed at preserving and promoting the national heritage, supporting artists and developing international cultural ties. The city of Arkadag remains one of the major infrastructure projects. Its development incorporates digital and ‘green’ technologies, as well as smart management systems. Construction of the second phase of the project is currently underway. Turkmenistan continues to pursue a foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peacefulness and goodwill. The country is developing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation with foreign states. Inter-governmental commissions, committees, business councils and bilateral business forums play an important role in this. Particular attention is paid to energy and transport projects. Natural gas supplies to the People’s Republic of China continue via the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline. In April 2026, the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynyş’ field commenced. The relevant contract was concluded between the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’ and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The development of ‘Galkynyş’ is also linked to the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI) gas pipeline project. On 10 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the Mary velayat and Afghanistan, where he inspected the progress of construction on the Serhetabat–Herat ‘Arkadagyň ak ýoly’ gas pipeline. During negotiations with Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Afghanistan for Economic Affairs, discussions also covered the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ (TAP) power line project, fibre-optic communications and cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. Turkmenistan continues to promote the development of international transport corridors along the North–South and East–West axes, as well as the establishment of logistics centres. The country’s multilateral diplomacy is carried out within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations. A significant event was the UN Forum on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. In 2026, Turkmenistan will also hold the chairmanship of a number of regional forums. Key events include the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan and the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In the run-up to the 35th anniversary of its independence, Turkmenistan continues to implement socio-economic development programmes, foster international cooperation and carry out major infrastructure projects.
Turkmen-Azerbaijani consular consultations took place in Ashgabat
03.09.2026On 2 September 2026, Turkmen-Azerbaijani consular consultations took place in Ashgabat at the level of the heads of the consular services of the two countries’ Foreign Affairs Ministries. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed consular cooperation, the protection of citizens’ rights and legitimate interests, as well as cooperation in the fields of migration, law and law enforcement. Particular attention was paid to preventing cases of dual citizenship, issues relating to the stay of Turkmen citizens studying at higher education institutions in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and cooperation between the competent authorities. The prospects for cooperation and the exchange of experience between the migration services of the two countries were also considered. Following the meeting, a Protocol on Consular Consultations was signed, setting out the main outcomes of the negotiations and agreements on the further development of consular cooperation.
Hero Arkadag has set out the priority tasks for the young people of Turkmenistan
03.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, addressed a public lesson dedicated to Knowledge and Student Youth Day on 2 September at the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace in Arkadag. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his speech, the Hero Arkadag congratulated teachers, students and schoolchildren on the start of the new academic year and outlined the key tasks facing young people. These include receiving a high-quality education, mastering modern technologies, preserving national values and participating in the country’s development. Particular attention was paid to patriotic education. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the importance of studying the history, culture and spiritual heritage of Turkmenistan. Young people are called upon to preserve national traditions, respect their elders, observe the rules of etiquette and contribute to the development of the Motherland through their labour. A separate section of the speech was devoted to Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and its foreign policy course. It was noted that the country’s status of permanent neutrality was recognised by the United Nations in 1995. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted 33 resolutions, and in 2007 the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was established in Ashgabat. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan also highlighted the country’s initiatives in the areas of peace and trust, energy, water resources, the environment and sustainable transport. In particular, the Hero Arkadag focused on the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Turkmenistan in August 2025. Transport diplomacy featured prominently in the speech. Turkmenistan regards its geographical location as a basis for the development of international transport corridors between Asia and Europe. Work on developing the Trans-Caspian international transport link and the construction of a motorway from Turkmenbashi to the Kazakh border was highlighted. Speaking on the energy sector, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the ongoing construction of the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ gas pipeline. He also emphasised the country’s potential to expand electricity supplies under the ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan’ project. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan maintains trade and economic ties with more than 100 states, diplomatic relations with 161 countries, and participates in the activities of 55 international organisations. Work is also continuing in the country on the relevant procedures for accession to the World Trade Organisation. Particular attention was paid to Ahal-Teke horses as an element of Turkmenistan’s national cultural heritage and cultural diplomacy. It was noted that the art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Speaking about the prospects for young people, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the need to actively embrace artificial intelligence, digital technologies and scientific and technical achievements. Hero Arkadag proposed to begin developing a conceptual project for a ‘smart society’ and to create the conditions for the formation of international scientific and educational youth clusters. The speech also highlighted the role of the family and educators in the upbringing of the younger generation. The need to combine modern knowledge and digital opportunities with national traditions, cultural norms and moral values was emphasised. The National Leader of the Turkmen people called on young people to study the Turkmen language and foreign languages, to read works of national and foreign literature, to take part in sport, and to develop scientific and innovative skills. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag wished the students and schoolchildren good health, happiness and success in their studies and in life, emphasising that young people are the pride and future of independent Turkmenistan.
The President of Turkmenistan has sent his congratulations to the King of Norway
03.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his congratulations to King Haakon VIII of Norway on his accession to the throne. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf, the Head of State wished King Haakon VIII good health, happiness and prosperity, and the people of Norway peace, progress and prosperity.
A seminar on biodiversity conservation is taking place in Ashgabat
03.09.2026On 2 September 2026, a national workshop is being held in Ashgabat as part of a joint project by the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility to update the National Strategy and Action Plans for the Conservation of Biodiversity and to prepare the Seventh National Report under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The seminar is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Over the course of two days, participants are reviewing the draft National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Turkmenistan for 2026–2035, as well as issues relating to the preparation of the national report under the Convention. The event is attended by representatives of government bodies, scientific institutions, the private sector and civil society. Discussions centre on biodiversity conservation, the rational use of natural resources and sustainable development. Drafts of Turkmenistan’s Seventh National Report and specialised reports under the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols have also been presented. The seminar aims to strengthen Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and the fulfilment of its international obligations regarding the conservation of biodiversity.
An international Pearson Certiport certification centre has been established in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026On 1 September 2026, in Ashgabat, as part of the opening ceremony for the new building of the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, a certificate was presented marking the establishment of the Pearson Certiport International Certification Centre in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The establishment of the centre is a tangible outcome of the development of Turkmen-British cooperation in the field of education. Negotiations with Pearson began in May 2025 at the ‘Education World Forum’ in London. In February 2026, during a working visit by a Turkmenistan government delegation to the UK, four documents on cooperation in the field of education were signed. These included a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and Pearson in the field of skills development, certification and qualifications. The Pearson Certiport Centre will administer international certification examinations from leading companies and organisations, including Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Cisco, Apple, Intuit, Unity and the Project Management Institute. The centre’s operations will enable students, teachers and professionals to obtain international certificates directly in Turkmenistan. Certification validates professional skills and broadens opportunities to participate in international projects and enter the global labour market. The establishment of the centre is aimed at further integrating Turkmenistan’s education system into the international educational landscape and introducing modern tools for assessing professional skills.
The resolution on the CIS Year of Social Development is to be presented in Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A meeting of the Working Group of the Advisory Council on Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States took place in Minsk. Chaired by the Kyrgyz Republic, experts discussed proposals for the draft Action Plan for the preparation and implementation of the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life in 2028, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in the discussion, as well as representatives of the CIS Executive Committee, the Interparliamentary Assembly, the Interstate Statistical Committee, trade unions and veterans’ organisations. Following consideration of the comments, the necessary additions and clarifications were made to the draft document. Coordination of the Plan will continue with the involvement of the Commonwealth’s grassroots organisations and civil society bodies. The next round of negotiations will take place in September, chaired by the Belarusian side. The final draft Resolution on declaring 2028 the Year of Social Development and Quality of Life is scheduled to be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of State of the CIS on 9 October in Turkmenistan. The initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic is designed to strengthen the socio-demographic potential of the region’s countries, boost employment and improve citizens’ quality of life.
‘World Magazine’ has dedicated a special issue to Turkmenistan
03.09.2026A special issue of the international travel magazine ‘World Magazine’ is entirely devoted to Turkmenistan. Issue 18 of the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute comprises 60 pages featuring articles on the country’s cultural heritage, its economy, tourism opportunities and Turkmenistan’s role as a transit transport hub in Eurasia, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The issue is entitled ‘Turkmenistan 2026: Independent Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The cover features a photograph of an Ahal-Teke racehorse. The articles in this issue cover Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality, its role in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, the country’s economic development and its tourism potential. Particular attention is paid to Ahal-Teke horses, the Turkmen Alabay, the literary legacy of Magtymguly Pyragy, and historical and cultural monuments. The magazine also features Ashgabat, the Darwaza gas crater, the Yangykala Canyon and the ‘Awaza’ national tourist zone on the Caspian coast, whilst exploring the country’s tourism and investment opportunities. ‘World Magazine’ is the official publication of the World Tourism Forum Institute; it is not available for sale and is distributed for informational purposes, covering current issues in the development of global tourism, industry trends and investment.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador held a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia
02.09.2026On 31 August 2026, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Dr Raed bin Khaled Qarmali, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Public Diplomacy. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the further strengthening of political, cultural, scientific, educational and humanitarian ties. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan was briefed on the implementation of the ‘Vision 2030’ programme, aimed at developing the country’s economic and social sectors. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between higher education institutions. M. Ayazov proposed expanding cooperation, including through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and other documents. The importance of exchanging experience, training students and organising joint scientific conferences and exhibitions was also highlighted.
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