News
India’s Independence Day was celebrated in Ashgabat
16.08.2026At a reception in Ashgabat to mark India’s Independence Day, the Indian national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed. The a cappella rendition was given by the Turkmen singer Tachnabat Yomudova, who was joined by guests at the event, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The reception in the Turkmen capital was held to mark the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, which the country celebrates on 15 August. The theme of this year’s celebrations was ‘The Power of Youth’ and the contribution of the younger generation to the country’s development by 2047. Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, addressed the reception. He expressed Delhi’s readiness to expand cooperation with Ashgabat in the trade, economic, cultural and educational spheres. “India is ready and intends to further strengthen cooperation as a partner country in the Global South, as a developing country, and as a close friend and partner in the wider neighbourhood,” he said. According to the Ambassador, trade between the two countries exceeded $270 million last year. He noted the growing interest among Turkmen citizens in medical tourism and higher education in India, and also congratulated Turkmenistan on the upcoming 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, which will be celebrated next month. ‘Vande Mataram’ is a song in Sanskrit and Bengali, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Since 1950, following the adoption of the Indian Constitution, it has held the status of a national song, whilst the country’s national anthem is ‘Jana Gana Mana’. In August 2026, the Indian Parliament passed a law extending legal protection to the national song, similar to that afforded to the national anthem.
Ashgabat is set to host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026
16.08.2026On 19 September 2026, Ashgabat will host the regional round of the Startup World Cup 2026 international competition. Start-ups will present their projects to a panel of experts and compete for a place in the global final in San Francisco, according to the Orient news agency. Start-ups from various sectors are invited to take part, regardless of their stage of development. Participants must complete an application form, prepare a pitch deck and present their project to the jury. The winner of the regional round will earn the right to represent Turkmenistan at the Startup World Cup global final, which will take place on 4–6 November 2026 in San Francisco. The top prize at the global final is US$1 million. Participation in the regional round is free of charge, but places are limited.
Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met with the Head of ‘DUX Middle East’
14.08.2026On 13 August, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammetgeldi Ayazov, who is also accredited to Oman, held a meeting with Rasul Guliaev, Chairman and Executive Director of ‘DUX Middle East (FZC) LLC’. This was reported by the press office of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Saudi Arabia. R. Guliaev spoke about the activities of his company, which is registered in the Sultanate of Oman, and expressed an interest in purchasing petroleum products manufactured at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex. Ambassador M. Ayazov, in turn, invited the businessman to take part in the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, which will be held in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026.
Turkmenistan will take part in the CIIE 2026 exhibition
14.08.2026Turkmenistan will take part in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will be held in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November 2026. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Agreements on participation were reached on 12 August during a video conference between the Turkmen delegation and the leadership of the Eurasia Department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The meeting discussed preparations for the national pavilion, where the country’s export and manufacturing potential is to be showcased. The parties also discussed the development of bilateral trade, the streamlining of export and import operations, and support for joint investment projects. Representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country took part in the negotiations.
Turkmenistan preserves its historical and cultural heritage
14.08.2026In the run-up to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the country is taking stock of its efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage and develop its culture. State policy combines ancestral traditions with modern technologies, reports AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. One of the main tools for the protection of monuments is the State Register of National Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites. Its data is integrated into land registries, which allows archaeological sites to be taken into account in urban planning. As part of the ‘State Programme for 2022–2028’, research is being carried out at historical heritage sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ancient Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench, as well as the ‘käriz’ (qanat) at the Paryz-Depe settlement. Ground-penetrating radar, digital technologies and 3D modelling are being used in the study of Bronze Age settlement sites — Gonurdepe, Altyndepe and Namazgadepe. The work by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Anau – Culture Originated from the Millennia’, remains a key scholarly source on the country’s ancient history. The book presents research on Turkmenistan’s role in the development of ancient civilisations and the Great Silk Road. International scientific cooperation constitutes a separate area of focus. One example of this was the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, which showcased artefacts from Margiana and Parthia.
Turkmenistan discusses the development of the creative economy
14.08.2026A meeting on the development of Turkmenistan’s creative economy was held at the ‘Iş Nokady’ co-working centre. It was attended by representatives of government organisations, the creative sector, civil society organisations and experts, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Clare Allbless, a representative of the British Embassy in Turkmenistan, noted the country’s high creative, innovative and entrepreneurial potential and emphasised the UK’s willingness to share its experience. An important milestone in the sector’s development was the first International Forum on ‘The Creative and Innovative Economy of Turkmenistan’, held in Ashgabat in the spring of 2025. In 2026, Turkmen creatives also took part in the Creative Central Asia forum in Tashkent. A Department for the Development of the Creative and Innovative Economy has been established within the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan. Experts are analysing the state of the sector and developing a project to map creative and innovative industries. Participants discussed the sector’s prospects, business development and the potential of young people in IT and creative start-ups. The division’s work covers design, IT and media, crafts, fashion, the arts and innovative entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan and the WHO are stepping up emergency preparedness at the borders
14.08.2026A meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the WHO country office took place at the UN building in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The meeting was attended by representatives of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, and the State Customs, Migration and Border Services. The participants finalised the draft National Action Plan for Public Health Emergencies at Points of Entry and discussed measures to improve response mechanisms. The development of standard operating procedures for coordinating actions at the border was also considered. The meeting aimed to provide the Ministry of Health with advisory and technical support in accordance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR). WHO experts at global and regional levels presented the key provisions of the IHR, shared experience of operations at points of entry in the European Region, and provided materials for conducting simulation exercises. WHO confirmed its readiness to continue providing technical support to Turkmenistan in the implementation of the IHR.
Turkmenistan presented its transit and logistics capabilities to the ECO member states
14.08.2026On 12 August, an international video conference was held between the heads of the chambers of commerce and industry of the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). This was reported by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the development of economic cooperation, trade integration and the strengthening of inter-regional ties. The Turkmen side presented the country’s transit and logistics capabilities, as well as approaches to increasing trade turnover and expanding export potential. Separate consideration was given to the organisation of joint exhibitions and business forums involving entrepreneurs from ECO member states. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to develop economic cooperation with the organisation’s member states on a long-term basis. The ECO comprises ten member states: Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Ashgabat to host the ITTC 2026 International Logistics Forum
14.08.2026The fifth International Logistics Forum and ITTC 2026 exhibition, entitled ‘International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development – 2026’, will take place in Ashgabat from 24 to 26 November. The event will take place at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The organisers are ‘Talwas Ýoly’ CJSC, a division of OGUZ Forum & Expo, the Ministry of Road Transport, the Ministry of Rail Transport, the State Service ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’, the State Service for Maritime and River Transport, the Transport and Logistics Centre and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The programme will cover the development of transport infrastructure and transit corridors, multimodal transport, the digitalisation of the sector, the development of the Middle Corridor and routes across the Caspian Sea, investment, air freight and sustainable transport. More than 500 delegates, over 1,000 trade visitors and more than 100 companies from over 25 countries are expected to attend. B2B and B2G business meetings are also planned. Registration for the forum and exhibition is now open.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag
14.08.2026On 13 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, undertook a working visit to the city of Arkadag. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan familiarised himself with the projects for the second phase of construction and held a working meeting attended by the heads of relevant agencies, reports AsmanNews. During the site visit, 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, provided information on the progress of construction work and the planned social facilities. These include a specialised secondary school with an in-depth foreign language programme, a nursery school with capacity for 320 children, and a sports complex. The National Leader of the Turkmen people made suggestions regarding the architectural and design solutions for the facilities. Hero Arkadag emphasised the need to comply with modern requirements and international standards, as well as to ensure the quality and timely completion of the works. Particular attention was paid to the project for the specialised school. The need for modern equipment in classrooms, including language laboratories, the development of an up-to-date curriculum and the organisation of subject-based clubs was highlighted. Tasks were also set regarding the improvement of the site and the provision of digital updates to parents on pupils’ academic progress and behaviour. This was followed by a working meeting attended by D. Orazov, Chair of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan, and G. Mammedova, the city’s Governor. During the meeting, D. Orazov reported that the ‘Arkadag’ football team had qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2. The National Leader of the Turkmen people wished the players every success and recommended visiting the team. The progress of the second phase of the city’s construction was also discussed. The National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the need for coordinated work by the organisations involved, high-quality facilities and adherence to the deadlines for their commissioning. Particular attention was paid to the mosque currently under construction, which will seat 30,000 people. At the suggestion of the local community, it has been named ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’, a name registered by the Ministry of Justice. A proposal to develop the adjacent madrasah, taking into account international experience and relevant educational standards, was also approved. In addition, a proposal was made to hold a festive sadaqah at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre to mark the registration of the new mosque. The proposal was approved. To conclude his working visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen people visited the ‘Ruhyýet’ Palace. Against the backdrop of preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and International Neutrality Day, discussions are taking place on ensuring the readiness of conference centres and the beautification of the city for the upcoming events.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the Pakistani leadership on Independence Day
14.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the people of Pakistan on Independence Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The Head of State noted the solidarity and unity of the Pakistani people, emphasising their desire to determine their own future. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted that relations between Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are developing on the basis of mutual respect, equality and peace. The President of Turkmenistan expressed his readiness to further expand bilateral cooperation, taking into account the available opportunities. The Head of State wished the leadership of Pakistan good health and success in their work, and the people of the country peace, prosperity and progress.
The UN resolution initiated by Turkmenistan has been published in six languages
14.08.2026UN General Assembly Resolution 80/295, ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan, has been published in the six official languages of the UN. The document proclaims 2028 as the Year of International Law and highlights the key role of the UN Charter in maintaining peace and security, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Member States and UN bodies are invited to organise educational and awareness-raising events as part of the thematic year. The resolution also welcomes Turkmenistan’s intention to organise a Global Forum on International Law in December 2028. Funding for the events is to be provided through voluntary contributions. The UN Secretary-General has been tasked with circulating the resolution amongst states, international organisations, civil society and the academic community.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
