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Turkmenistan and Iran agree on priorities for bilateral cooperation
17.02.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Ambassador Ilyas Gayipov and Iran's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi took place at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the current state and priority areas of strategic cooperation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for upcoming high-level visits. The importance of the Iranian President's visit to Turkmenistan on 11-12 December 2025 to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the International Year of Peace and Trust, and the International Day of Neutrality was noted. During the negotiations, issues related to the Caspian Sea, the development of interregional cooperation, the holding of economic exhibitions, business forums and cultural events were discussed. The parties emphasised the importance of the work of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and discussed the holding of its next meeting in Ashgabat. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Ambassador announced Turkmenistan's plans for 2026, declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, including events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses. The parties confirmed the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations based on good neighbourliness and mutual respect.
Ashgabat became a platform for discussing the strengthening of healthcare systems
17.02.2026On 16 February, the ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’ opened at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The forum was organised by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The platform aims to coordinate the efforts of countries in the field of collective security and sustainable development of health systems. The event was attended by representatives of the state authorities of Turkmenistan, the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the WHO, as well as relevant departments of Central Asian countries and Armenia. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted that the Dialogue is taking place during Turkmenistan's presidency of the CIS, which has been declared the Year of Health in the Commonwealth. Participants emphasised the importance of holding the forum in Ashgabat and the role of Turkmenistan in the development of regional cooperation and interaction with the WHO. Following the discussions, it was noted that the format of the Dialogue will become a platform for the exchange of experience, strengthening trust and developing partnerships between the CIS countries, the WHO European Region and international organisations.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated Xi Jinping on the Spring Festival
17.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and the people of the friendly country on the occasion of the Spring Festival. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his address, the Head of State noted that this bright holiday, symbolising the beginning of the new year, has long served to bring peoples closer together and fill hearts with hope for peace, harmony and prosperity. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that relations between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China are of a strategic and long-term partnership nature. In this regard, a firm commitment to the further development and strengthening of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries was confirmed. Taking this opportunity, the Head of Turkmenistan wished the President of the PRC good health, happiness and success, and the people of China peace, prosperity and well-being in the coming Year of the Horse.
The Hero Arkadag's visit to the United States of America has begun
17.02.2026On 16 February, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, began his visit to the United States of America. This was reported by the news resource AsmanNews. Early in the morning, Hero Arkadag departed from Ashgabat, heading to the capital's International Airport, from where he flew to the United States. It is noted that Turkmen-American cooperation is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect and covers a wide range of areas. In recent years, bilateral relations have shown steady progress, including in the business sector. A number of large American companies involved in agriculture and industry are participating in joint projects in Turkmenistan. It is noted that interest from US business circles in investment projects in Turkmenistan continues to grow. This opens up new opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. The visit of the Hero Arkadag to the United States is seen as an important event of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and is intended to contribute to the further development of constructive inter-state relations. The visit continues.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe
17.02.2026On 16 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organisation's Regional Office for Europe, who is in the country on a working visit. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During the meeting, the guest presented the Head of State with a special WHO award ‘For contribution to the promotion of peace, unity and diplomacy in health care.’ As noted, this award was given for Turkmenistan's consistent efforts to strengthen international solidarity, develop cooperation with the UN and WHO, and promote diplomacy in the field of global health. Hans Kluge also congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the country's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and on the declaration of this year as the Year of Health Protection in the Commonwealth. Expressing his gratitude for the high assessment, the Head of State noted that he considers the award to be recognition of the work carried out in the Turkmenistan healthcare system and the results achieved in this area. The President emphasised the importance of the upcoming international seminar ‘High-Level Dialogue on Global Health Diplomacy’, in which Hans Kluge will participate. According to him, the forum will be an effective platform for exchanging views and discussing prospects for cooperation. During the meeting, it was confirmed that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to cooperation with authoritative international structures, primarily with the UN and its specialised agencies, including the WHO. Public health remains one of the priorities of the country's state policy. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further expand their partnership and exchanged best wishes.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand held a series of key meetings
17.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, held a meeting with Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the need to intensify high-level visits and create an inter-governmental mechanism for interaction. The organisation of consultations between Deputy Foreign Affairs Ministers in Bangkok was considered. Particular attention was paid to the planned visit of the King of Thailand to Turkmenistan, for which the Turkmen side is ready to jointly work out organisational and protocol issues. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to maintain regular contacts between their foreign ministries. On 13 February, M. Mashalov held a meeting with the Vice-President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Supareck Chomchan. The Ambassador informed him about the activities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, noting the priorities: development of entrepreneurship, interaction with state bodies and promotion of products to foreign markets. During the negotiations, it was emphasised that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan actively supports national producers and organises international conferences and exhibitions. The Thai side expressed its readiness to contribute to the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation. On the same day, the Ambassador met with the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalug. They discussed issues of cooperation in the field of migration, including the fight against illegal migration, offences and the protection of persons in need of support. The parties agreed to maintain regular contact to further develop cooperation.
The volume of transactions on the Turkmenistan stock exchange exceeded 7 million US dollars in a week
17.02.2026Over the past week, 22 deals were concluded on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. Export operations were dominated by petrochemical and agrochemical products in demand by companies from the UAE, Afghanistan and Georgia, as well as light industry goods and building materials supplied to Turkey and Afghanistan. The total volume of exports exceeded $7.699 million. Domestic market activity also remained high: the total value of transactions by domestic entrepreneurs exceeded 182.28 million manats. The results of the trading session confirm the consistent demand for Turkmen products both abroad and within the country.
Training on export standards for garment products completed in Ashgabat
16.02.2026The second stage of the technological audit and training for specialists in the garment industry, dedicated to the key condition for entering the export market — high-quality fitting of garments and modern pattern design — has been completed in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. From 9 to 13 February, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses took part in practical training organised by the International Trade Centre with the support of the EU. The training focused on complex geometry and pattern correction for women's shoulder garments, without which it is impossible to compete in the EU and CIS markets. Experts emphasised that it is the accuracy of the fit that builds trust in the brand and reduces returns. As part of the programme, participants practised defect diagnosis, the principles of pattern scaling for industrial production and approaches to commercial design. The transition from individual tailoring to systematic design in accordance with international standards is seen as a key step towards creating competitive collections labelled ‘Made in Turkmenistan’.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation
16.02.2026On 15 February, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the State of Qatar, held a meeting with Ahmad bin Hitmi AL-Hitmi, Chairman of the Turkmen-Qatari Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the Consultative Council of the State of Qatar. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the conversation, the Diplomat emphasised that 2026 has been declared the Year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in Turkmenistan, and also provided information about planned international events and scientific forums dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, issues of intensifying cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking.
Turkmenistan's HEIs participate in international circular economy project
16.02.2026The international ‘CirculEC’ project, supported by the EU’s ‘Erasmus+’ programme, aims to integrate the principles of circular economy and sustainable development into university programmes in Europe and Central Asia. Fifteen universities and scientific organisations from seven countries, including Turkmenistan, are participating in the project, according to the news website Asmannews. From Turkmenistan, the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, and the Turkmen State Institute of Finance are involved in the project. The main focus is on incorporating the principles of sustainable development into basic curricula to develop students' practical skills in resource management, ecology, and modern business models. The project is coordinated by the D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, and European partners included universities in Spain, Italy and Germany. The cooperation aims to adapt Central Asian educational programmes to international standards, taking into account the needs of the labour market. The project will be implemented in 2023–2026 and provides for the development of new training modules, the improvement of teachers' qualifications and the launch of pilot courses. ‘CirculEC’ is focused on training specialists for sustainable development and environmental entrepreneurship.
Turkmenistan launches large-scale transport and education projects in 2026
16.02.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a development plan for Turkmenistan for 2026. The programme focuses on transport infrastructure, education and improving living conditions in the regions, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Important projects are planned in the transport and energy sectors. The ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat-Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway will be opened, as well as a multi-purpose power plant in the Gyzylarbat etrap. In the Balkan velayat, residential buildings and a complex of buildings in the village of Guwlymayak will be commissioned. The development of educational infrastructure will continue: new buildings of the Turkmen State Architectural and Construction Institute and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi will be opened. The programme also provides for the construction of roads, communications systems, water, gas and energy supply systems, as well as water and sewage facilities to improve the social and living conditions of the population.
Turkmenistan's social infrastructure to expand in 2026
16.02.2026Social policy remains a top priority for Turkmenistan. At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented the Investment Programme for 2026, which is record-breaking in terms of the number of social facilities under construction, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The country plans to build more than 900,000 square metres of housing. New schools will accept 3,380 pupils, and kindergartens will accept 1,080 children. The transformation of the capital will continue in Ashgabat: 30 residential buildings are being built in Parahat-7 with shopping centres, 46 houses in the Buzmeyin etrap, 127 two-storey cottages and a cultural centre with 4,000 seats. In healthcare, an International Paediatrics Centre, a Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre will open. The Archman sanatorium will expand its capacity: a new 400-bed building will accommodate more resort guests.
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