News
Prospects for participation in the EU's ‘Horizon Europe’ programme discussed in Ashgabat
11.02.2026An information and communication session dedicated to the EU's ‘Horizon Europe’ research and innovation programme was held at the International University for the Humanities and Development in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The aim of the event was to familiarise the scientific and educational community with the opportunities for international grant funding. The guest of honour at the event was Ksenia Savchenko, representative of the European Commission's ‘Global Service Facility’. Participants were presented with the structure and key areas of the programme, as well as the specifics of cooperation with Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to the work plans for 2026-2027. During the meeting, the prospects for expanding the participation of Turkmen scientists in international projects, the priorities of the country's innovation policy and the practical aspects of obtaining funding were discussed. Participants emphasised the importance of developing international scientific cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Turkey discussed expanding trade and investment cooperation
11.02.2026On 10 February, in Ashgabat, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev held a meeting with Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat. The negotiations took place within the framework of the Exhibition of Export Goods of the Republic of Turkey, which will last until 12 February. This was reported by IIC. The main topic of discussion was new opportunities for business and the development of direct contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries. The parties agreed to hold joint investment forums, specialised exhibitions and bilateral business meetings to stimulate business activity. During the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to strengthen strategic partnership in key sectors of the economy: trade, energy, transport, construction, investment and tourism. Particular attention was paid to the dynamics of trade relations. At the end of 2025, the volume of bilateral trade amounted to $2.2 billion, and in the near future, the parties plan to increase it to $5 billion. Omer Bolat stressed that Turkey intends to comprehensively develop cooperation, relying on the historical ties and high export potential of the two countries.
Digital methods for protecting wetlands discussed in Turkmenistan
11.02.2026The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, held a round table in Ashgabat dedicated to World Wetlands Day. The meeting, entitled ‘Scaling Climate-Resilient Practices through Digitalization of Land and Water Monitoring,’ took place on 9 February at the UN building. This was reported by IIC. The event was held as part of the UNDP project on the conservation and sustainable management of land resources and ecosystems of high natural value in the Aral Sea basin. The discussion was attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, scientific and research organisations, national coordination centres for international environmental conventions, administrations of specially protected natural areas, as well as non-governmental organisations and international partners. The main focus was on restoring ecosystems in the Amu Darya basin, strengthening the environmental sustainability of wetlands, and promoting the principles of land degradation neutrality. Participants considered the possibilities of using digital technologies and scientifically based monitoring systems for more effective management of water and land resources. Rustem Nuryev, National Coordinator of the Ramsar Convention at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, noted that the country is consistently fulfilling its international obligations by expanding the monitoring of important ornithological areas and strengthening the scientific basis for biodiversity conservation. The round table also emphasised the need to align national measures with international agreements on combating desertification and protecting wetlands. Participants agreed that the conservation of these ecosystems plays a key role in ensuring climate resilience, food security and the well-being of local communities, and that cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of innovative solutions are important conditions for long-term environmental development.
Schoolchildren from Turkmenistan will represent the country at the iWISE finals in Dubai
11.02.2026Twelve schoolchildren from Turkmenistan will take part in the Global Final of the International World Innovative Student Expo (iWISE), which will be held in Dubai from 14 to 16 February. The event is organised by the London-based company iWISE. This was reported by IIC. The annual forum brings together participants from different countries and provides them with an opportunity to present their developments in the fields of robotics, STEAM disciplines, programming and art. The Turkmen team earned the right to compete on the international stage following the results of the Virtual Final remote stage, which took place in November 2025. During the selection process, the students won medals in robotics competitions, including Robot Maze, Line Follower and Mini Sumo. The team consists of students from the robotics club of the 1st Specialised Educational Complex in Arkadag, as well as students from the Kämil bilim training centre in the capital. Turkmenistan will be represented by Rahman Garrygulov, Ebubekir Berdiyev, Aysenem Akmyradova, Saranur Annayeva, Muhammetkasym Annayev, Bilalkerim Berdiyev, Polat Saparov, Abdullah Annayev, Abdyljelil Patyshagulyev, Selim Begmyradov, Gurbanmuhammet Magtymgulyev and Muhammedulemin Annayev. The team is being trained by Myrat Sahetguliyev, a teacher at the Arkadag specialised complex, and Halil Kovusov, a teacher at Ashgabat Specialised Secondary School No. 97. The participation of Turkmen schoolchildren in the iWISE international final reflects the growing interest of young people in engineering and technology and the increasing level of training in the field of innovation.
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed cooperation and infrastructure projects
11.02.2026On 9 February, in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Consul General of Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, B. Kabayev, met with the Governor of Balkh Province, Mohammad Yousuf Wafa. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, transit and energy sectors, as well as the implementation of major infrastructure projects between the two countries. The meeting also highlighted events in Turkmenistan dedicated to the 2026 motto, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ and the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
Turkmenistan and WHO discussed the development of cooperation in healthcare
11.02.2026On 10 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a video meeting with the Head of the WHO Country Office in Ashgabat, Egor Zaitsev, and Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan Azat Ovezov. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and WHO in priority areas. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy, which will be held in Turkmenistan in February. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in deepening the partnership and the readiness to implement joint initiatives and projects in the field of healthcare.
The MFA of Turkmenistan awarded medals to mark the 30th anniversary of neutrality
11.02.2026On 10 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan held a ceremony to award representatives of international organisations with the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov read out the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan on the awarding and presented medals and commemorative silver badges. Among those awarded were UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko and Permanent Representative of the UN Development Programme Narine Sahakyan. The contribution of foreign citizens to strengthening the independence of Turkmenistan, developing international cooperation and promoting a policy of Peace and Trust on the world stage was noted.
A press conference was held in the capital of Turkmenistan with participants of the AFC Champions League match
11.02.2026A press conference was held at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat with the participation of coaches and players from FC ‘Arkadag’ (city of Arkadag) and FC ‘Al-Nassr’ (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event took place on the eve of the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match, which will be held in Ashgabat. Representatives of foreign media who arrived to cover the match asked questions about the teams' readiness. Earlier, ‘Al-Nassr’ FC familiarised themselves with the infrastructure of the Olympic Village and the conditions of the Olympic Stadium. During the press conference, the coach and player of ‘Arkadag’ FC answered questions from journalists. It was noted that the match attracted the interest of media representatives from 13 countries. Then the coach and player of FC ‘Al-Nassr’ spoke to the press. The team representatives noted the high level of organisation, the capabilities of the Olympic Stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, and expressed their gratitude for the welcome. Both teams declared their readiness for the upcoming match and their determination to win.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Iran on Revolution Day
11.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasion of the national holiday, Revolution Day. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. The message noted that Turkmenistan and Iran have centuries-old good-neighbourly relations, which are developing on the basis of friendship and mutual respect. The Head of State expressed confidence in the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries. In conclusion, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Masoud Pezeshkian health and well-being, and the people of Iran peace and prosperity.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Trade of Turkey
11.02.2026On 10 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey Omer Bolat, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit, in Ashgabat. During the meeting, the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation, primarily in the trade and economic sphere, was discussed, according to the state news agency TDH. Omer Bolat conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He noted the role of Turkmenistan's neutral status in strengthening regional stability and emphasised the importance of the Turkish President's participation in the Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, which was held in Ashgabat in December last year. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his best wishes to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and wished success to the Exhibition of Export Goods of the Republic of Turkey, which opened in the capital. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and regular contacts at the government level. It was noted that the Republic of Turkey occupies a leading position in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover, and the volume of mutual trade is growing annually. The Exhibition of Export Goods of Turkmenistan, held in Istanbul from 2 to 5 July last year, was cited as an example of successful cooperation. The Head of State expressed confidence that the current exhibition in Ashgabat will contribute to the expansion of business ties and the attraction of investment. The Turkmen side confirmed its readiness to consider specific proposals from Turkish partners. In conclusion, the parties expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan took part in a conference on museology in Ankara
11.02.2026Ismail Orazov, Director of the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan, took part in a conference on archaeometry and museology, which was held on 9 February in Ankara. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the conference, issues related to the restoration and preservation of cultural values were discussed, as well as the creation of digital copies of historical artefacts as part of projects to pass on historical and cultural heritage to future generations. The event was organised as part of a programme to exchange experience with Turkey in the field of restoration and conservation laboratories and is being held from 9 to 13 February in Ankara and Istanbul.
In Turkmenistan, the population of the Near Eastern leopard numbers 60–80 individuals
11.02.2026In 2025, Turkmenistan showed significant progress in wildlife conservation: the population of the Near Eastern leopard is estimated at 60–80 individuals, according to the annual report on wildlife and specially protected natural areas in the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Leopards mainly inhabit mountainous and foothill areas – Kopetdag, Greater Balkan, Badhyz and Sunt-Hasardag nature reserves, the southern coast of Garabogaz Bay and certain areas of the Balkan Range. In 2025, control measures were strengthened in protected areas, the use of camera traps was expanded, and the SMART system was introduced, which increased the effectiveness of monitoring and patrolling. Turkmenistan has strengthened international cooperation in the field of nature conservation by becoming a party to CITES, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the updated CAMI Programme for 2026-2032. The report emphasises that the recovery of large predators depends on the status of ungulate populations — gazelles and mountain goats — which remain under pressure from poaching and habitat degradation. In addition to leopards, the country's protected areas support populations of caracals, manuls, gazelles, mountain goats, ground squirrels, badgers and rare birds.
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