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Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed plans for the TAPI and TAP projects in 2026
31.01.2026Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are strengthening their strategic cooperation in 2026. Negotiations were held via videoconference between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to the news website Asmannews. The main focus was on cross-border projects — the TAPI gas pipeline, the TAP power line and rail links. The parties noted the progress made and stressed the need for coordination for visits by high-level delegations and new initiatives. In Herat province, a 91-kilometre section of the TAPI route has been prepared, along which work camps have already been set up. Construction of the Afghan segment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The project strengthens the region's energy infrastructure and creates new jobs.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan discussed the development of their partnership and plans for the current year
31.01.2026Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan Gurbanmammet Elyasov held talks with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations, highly appreciated the results of 2025 and noted the active development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as mutual visits at the highest level. It was noted that the initiatives of the leaders of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnership and the expansion of cooperation in energy, transport (including through the Middle Corridor), trade and culture. In addition, upcoming international forums and events in 2026 were discussed, including the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where Azerbaijan will participate as a full member for the first time, which will strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation.
A project for the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ motorway has been presented in Turkmenistan
31.01.2026The ‘Ojar Aziya’ holding company is proposing to implement an investment infrastructure project to build the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ expressway, approximately 450 km long, with access roads approximately 35 km long. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The route will pass through the Ahal and Mary velayats and will become a link between the ‘North-South’, ‘Lapis Lazuli’ and ‘East-West’ international corridors, strengthening Turkmenistan's transit and logistics potential. The project is expected to be implemented without budgetary funds, on a commercial basis with paid operation. The motorway is expected to ensure the growth of transit flows, the development of logistics and service infrastructure, the creation of jobs and the expansion of international trade relations.
Ashgabat to unite the global textile industry
30.01.2026The International Exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo’ returns for its second season: from 4 to 6 June, Ashgabat will once again welcome key players in the textile industry. This was reported by the news agency Orient. After a successful debut in 2025, the project is moving to a new level, expanding its format and increasing the number of foreign participants. The exhibition is organised by the Ministry of Textile Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, co-organised by ‘TurkmenExpo’, which emphasises its international status and investment attractiveness. ‘TurkmenTextile Expo 2026’ will bring together textile and clothing manufacturers, fashion brands and designers, technology and equipment suppliers, as well as buyers, distributors and investors. The programme includes exhibitions, B2B negotiations and fashion shows featuring Turkmen and foreign designers. The organisers will provide comprehensive support to foreign participants, from visas and logistics to individual business programmes. The exhibition is positioned as a strategic platform for developing partnerships and strengthening Turkmenistan's role as one of the centres of the textile business in Central Asia.
Turkmenistan and Turkey prepare for intergovernmental commission meeting
30.01.2026The 9th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is scheduled for April 2026 in Ashgabat. This was announced by Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok at a press conference on 28 January, according to Turkmenportal. The meeting will be co-chaired by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev. According to the Ambassador, the commission remains a key mechanism for discussing economic ties between the two countries. The previous meeting was held on 25 February 2025 in Ankara. The parties are currently preparing for the meeting.
Turkmenistan and Russia held another round of political consultations
30.01.2026On 29 January, Ashgabat hosted another round of Turkmen-Russian political consultations with the participation of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mihail Galuzin. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on key issues on the bilateral agenda and confirmed the strategic nature of their relations. During the talks, it was noted that cooperation is actively developing in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including interaction within the UN, the CIS and the ‘Central Asia-Russia’ format. The diplomats confirmed their interest in expanding dialogue between foreign ministries within the framework of the Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for 2025–2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with Georgia
30.01.2026On 29 January, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Turkmenistan Konstantin Sabiashvili at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The parties exchanged views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda and noted the high level of political and diplomatic relations. During the meeting, issues of expanding trade and economic cooperation and prospects for the development of interparliamentary ties were discussed.
Ashgabat to host IFT 2026 international investment forum
30.01.2026On 18 March 2026, Ashgabat will host the International Forum ‘Investing in the Future of Turkmenistan’ (IFT 2026). The organisers are the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in partnership with TMT Consulting Group, according to the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the official calendar, the forum will open a series of international business events in the country. It will also feature a multidisciplinary exhibition dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The organisers say that IFT 2026 will be a platform for dialogue between business representatives, investors and financial institutions. Participants will discuss prospects for cooperation and investment projects. The agenda for IFT 2026 includes issues related to industry, logistics, transport, agribusiness, digital technologies and attracting foreign direct investment. A separate section will be devoted to presentations of investment projects by national companies. Delegations from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America are expected to attend. The forum will take the form of plenary sessions, expert panels and business negotiations.
Representatives of the Foreign Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held talks in Ashgabat
30.01.2026On 29 January, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mihail Galuzin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their commitment to deepening the Turkmen-Russian strategic partnership and noted the role of regular high-level contacts in the development of bilateral relations. During the talks, issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to cooperation in international forums, including within the UN and the CIS, which is chaired by Turkmenistan this year. The parties also exchanged views on topical issues on the international and regional agenda.
Social and housing projects have become a priority for Turkmenistan in 2026
30.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to implement programmes for the development of social and residential infrastructure. The working plans for 2026 were approved on 9 January at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. They cover all sectors of the economy and social sphere, according to the state news agency TDH. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov previously reported that GDP growth since the beginning of the year has remained at 6.3 per cent. New modern villages and settlements have been put into operation in the country. Dovletli Mekan and Bagtly Zamana were opened in the Ahal velayat, and the settlement of Bitaraplyk in the Dashoguz velayat. Construction was carried out as part of long-term state programmes for socio-economic development. In the svillage of Bitaraplyk in the Koneurgench etrap, 400 residential buildings, social and administrative facilities, schools and kindergartens have been built. All buildings are connected to utility networks, and the territories have been landscaped. Similar infrastructure has been created in Dovletli Mekan in the Ak Bugday etrap and in Bagtly Zamana in the Kaka etrap. The projects include housing, educational and medical facilities, as well as utility networks. At the same time, new residential areas are being built throughout the country. The system of preferential mortgage lending is being expanded, including for young families. The rapid pace of construction continues in the city of Arkadag, where the second phase of the project is being implemented. On 10 January 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the city to familiarise himself with the progress of the work. During a meeting with representatives of foreign companies, the construction of a medical cluster and quality control of materials were discussed. The construction of large medical facilities is also continuing in the country. New international centres are being built in Ashgabat, and modern hospitals and clinics are being built in the regions. In 2025, a number of medical facilities were commissioned and foundations were laid. The development of social infrastructure also affects the field of education. New university buildings, dormitories and educational complexes are being commissioned in the country, and the construction of buildings for specialised institutes is continuing. According to data announced at a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, in 2025, 65.6 per cent of investments were directed to production facilities and 34.4 per cent to social and cultural facilities. These funds were used to develop construction, healthcare, education and infrastructure. The implementation of projects is seen as one of the key instruments of the country's socio-economic policy.
Turkmen referees work at the Asian Futsal Cup in Indonesia
30.01.2026The final round of the 18th AFC Futsal Championship is taking place in Indonesia and will continue until 7 February. Representatives of the Turkmenistan Referees' School are participating in the tournament, according to IIC. FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov officiated the Group C match between Japan and Australia. The match ended with a score of 6:2 in favour of Japan. His partner was referee Abdulrahman Al-Dosari from Bahrain. In the second round of Group A, Timur Ramazanov will be the third referee in the match between Iraq and South Korea. Another representative of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Vadim Baratov, is involved in the tournament as a referee inspector. He monitors the work of the refereeing teams and compliance with international standards.
A film about Magtymguly Pyragy's childhood, ‘Arzyman’, is being prepared for release
30.01.2026Turkmenistan is completing work on the feature film ‘Arzyman’, dedicated to the childhood of Magtymguly Pyragy. The film is being shot by the ‘Mekanfilm’ studio. The author of the project is director and screenwriter Charyyar Seyidov, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The film is being made against the backdrop of international interest in the poet's legacy following the celebration of his 300th anniversary in 2024. The project is not a biographical chronicle. It focuses on Magtymguly's early years, when the future poet lived in a village, herded cattle and took his first steps in creativity. To prepare for the film, the director studied archival materials and visited the Balkan velayat, the village of Gerkez, the poet's historical homeland. Filming took place in the mountains of the Lesser Balkan, in hard-to-reach locations, including natural caves. The film is titled ‘Arzyman’, which translates from Turkmen as ‘The Desired One.’ The film features a national melody of the same name. The film stars People's Artist of Turkmenistan Ovez Gelenov, Gulnabat Abdullayeva, Mekan Jumabayev and other actors. The role of Magtymguly as a child was played by schoolboy Denizhan Abdyrahmanov. The film is scheduled to be completed on 27 June, which is Culture and Art Workers' Day, as well as Magtymguly Pyragy’s Poetry Day.
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