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Virtual museums of Turkmenistan provide access to cultural heritage
16.02.2026Turkmenistan is actively developing its museum sector and preserving its historical and cultural heritage. The country has registered more than 1,400 objects of national importance, which form the basis of museum collections and are used for science, education and enlightenment. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. As part of the digitalisation process, museum websites have been created and virtual 3D tours of the exhibitions have been introduced. The virtual portal www.virtualmuseum.gov.tm offers 360-degree panoramas, information about exhibits, museum history, as well as details about exhibitions and scientific publications. Key monuments include Gonur Depe, Garadepe, Namazga Depe, Altyn Depe, Jeytun, Anau, Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Kunya Urgench, Ancient Dehistan, Ancient Serahs, Abiverd and the Geoktepe Fortress. All of them are state historical and cultural reserves. Museums in Ashgabat and Arkadag cities, and the velayats are equipped with modern equipment and serve as research and cultural education centres.
Turkmenistan plans to produce 2,100 tonnes of silkworm cocoons in 2026
16.02.2026On 13 February, at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a Decree instructing the state concern ‘Türkmenpagta’ and the hakims of the velayats to ensure the production of 2,100 tonnes of silkworm cocoons in 2026. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The ‘Türkmenpagta’ State Concern has been instructed to conclude general agreements with the hakims and supply agricultural enterprises, dayhan associations and tenants with the necessary high-quality silkworm eggs. The hakims of the velayats are instructed to ensure full compliance with the agreements on cocoon production. The document is aimed at developing the silk industry, increasing volumes and improving the quality of products.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Lithuania on the national holiday
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and the people of the country on the occasion of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania. This was reported by AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State wished the Lithuanian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Lithuania peace, stability and further development. It should be noted that diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Lithuania were established in 1992. Both states are actively developing cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade and culture.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Serbia
16.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on the occasion of Statehood Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished the Serbian leader good health and prosperity, and the people of Serbia peace, stability and further development. It should be recalled that Turkmenistan and the Republic of Serbia established diplomatic relations in 1996.
Athlete from Turkmenistan wins bronze at ‘Karate 1 – Youth League’ tournament
16.02.2026From 12 to 15 February, Fujairah (UAE) hosted the ‘Karate 1 – Youth League’ tournament. Turkmenistan is represented by 15 karatekas, according to the news website Asmannews. A total of 2,231 athletes from 93 countries are participating in the competition. In the weight category up to 55 kg among juniors aged 16-17, Turkmen athlete Gurbannazar Amandurdyev won the bronze medal in kumite. He is a student in the 11th grade at specialised school No. 16 with in-depth study of foreign languages in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat. His coach is A. Charyev.
Turkmen hockey players win their first match at the World Junior Championship
15.02.2026The Turkmenistan national under-18 ice hockey team defeated South Africa 4-3 in the first round of the World Junior Championship Division III Group B in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The match was tense: after opening the scoring in the 10th minute, Dayanch Batyrov responded with a goal in the final stage, securing victory for his team. South Africa equalised and caught up due to Duvan van der Merwe and Joshua Anker, but accurate shots from Rovshen Archayev and Hezretali Mammedov allowed Turkmenistan to maintain its advantage. In the next round, the Turkmen hockey team will face Iceland, who defeated Luxembourg 12-1 in their opening match. In addition, Thailand defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 12-3.
Turkmen karateka wins international tournament in Dubai
15.02.2026Turkmen karateka Jora Ovezmyradov won the ‘Dubai International Doka Cup 2026’ tournament, held on 7–8 February in Dubai (UAE). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He won gold in the kumite discipline in the 55 kg category. D. Ovezmyradov is a 12th grade student at Specialised School No. 52 in Ashgabat and is trained by A. Charyev. The competition brought together 697 participants from 18 countries, and the Turkmen team brought home one gold medal.
Head of the MFA announces dynamic progress in Turkmen-Japanese partnership
15.02.2026Turkmen-Japanese relations are actively developing in the political, economic and cultural spheres, said Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov at a reception on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, the countries have achieved significant success in strengthening their partnership based on trust and respect. The Minister emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue during the meetings between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Emperor and Prime Minister in Tokyo in 2025. R. Meredov noted the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the opening of ‘EXPO 2025’ in Osaka, where the Turkmenistan pavilion became one of the most visited, receiving more than two million guests. He also highly appreciated the contribution of Japanese companies, including ‘Hitachi’, ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’ and ‘Toyota’, to the country's economic development. Cultural cooperation is also actively developing: Japanese is taught at six universities and twelve schools in Turkmenistan, and more than 15,000 citizens of the country are studying it today.
Three million trees will be planted in Turkmenistan this year
15.02.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, signed a Resolution on continuing large-scale greening: in 2026, Turkmenistan plans to plant 3 million trees. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Half of the seedlings will be provided by ministries, departments, and the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, while the other half will be provided by regional administrations throughout the country. The programme provides not only for the creation of a traditional ‘green shield’ of coniferous and deciduous trees, but also for the development of orchards and vineyards. Fruit crops will be planted by variety in specially designated areas, which gives the initiative agricultural significance. The document also stipulates the mandatory use of drip irrigation to save water resources and increase plant survival rates. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for providing high-quality three-year-old seedlings.
Japanese Ambassador notes dynamic development of relations with Turkmenistan
15.02.2026Two meetings between the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Japanese Emperor Naruhito in 2025 testify to the high level of bilateral relations. This was stated by Japanese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki at a formal reception on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor's birthday, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The President of Turkmenistan visited Japan twice during the year — in April to participate in the ‘EXPO 2025’ exhibition in Osaka and in December as part of the ‘Central Asia + Japan’ summit. The Diplomat emphasised that Serdar Berdimuhamedov's two meetings with Emperor Naruhito in one year are extremely rare and reflect the special nature of relations between the two countries. The Head of the diplomatic mission noted significant progress in the implementation of joint projects and announced the Embassy's plans to intensify its work in 2026, including in the areas of business, Japanese language learning and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of the UNODC programme was discussed in Turkmenistan
15.02.2026A national coordination meeting organised within the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme and for the control of passenger and freight transport was held at the Central Office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The participants reviewed the progress of the programme's implementation in Turkmenistan in 2025, identified the key needs of the relevant structures, and agreed on areas of cooperation for the first half of 2026. During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of further developing interdepartmental cooperation in the field of passenger and freight transport control and exchanged views on practical issues related to the implementation of the initiative.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international ties in 2025
14.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has made 15 state, official, and working visits to countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov announced at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on February 13. This was reported by TDH. The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that during the year, the tasks of the Concept of Foreign Policy of a Neutral State for 2022-2028 were implemented, and partnerships with international organisations were strengthened. In 2025, the country held 573 online meetings and 2,794 official negotiations with foreign states and international structures, and the international legal framework was supplemented with 264 documents. Inter-ministerial consultations and meetings were held with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation. Letters of credence were presented to new ambassadors to Turkmenistan from 19 countries, and Turkmenistan sent 13 ambassadors and two consuls abroad. Fourteen meetings of bilateral inter-governmental commissions and major international events were organised, including the Third UN Conference for Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Conference on the Role of Women in Modern Society. Particular attention was paid to the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.
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