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Scientists in Turkmenistan have introduced an environmentally friendly method of producing solidol
13.02.2026Scientists at the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed a method for producing solidol from local raw materials, which is in demand in industry and agriculture. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The technology is unique in that it uses waste from the oil and gas and food industries, including soapstock, fatty acids, gossypol resins and animal fats. Experiments have shown that high-quality solidol can be produced from purified waste oils, bitumen and mineral additives. The resulting product complies with state standards, and the introduction of the technology will expand the raw material base and reduce production costs through the processing of secondary raw materials. Calcium, lithium and strontium compounds extracted from local deposits, such as Kelata, Akdepe and Balkan, are used to thicken the oils. Base oils are produced at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery, and the new method allows local resources to be integrated into the production chain. The technology meets modern environmental requirements, reduces waste disposal costs and strengthens the country's economic independence, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation between science and industry.
Football in Turkmenistan: Historical Dynamics, Institutional Development, and Contemporary International Development Vectors
13.02.2026Football in Turkmenistan represents not only a popular sport but also a significant socio-cultural phenomenon that reflects the processes of institutional state-building, international integration, and the strategic development of the humanitarian sphere. The history of national football is closely linked to the historical transformations of the 20th and 21st centuries — from the Soviet sports legacy to the contemporary model of independent sports policy. The establishment of football traditions in the territory of present-day Turkmenistan began in the 1920s. By 1927, the Ashgabat team was formed and played an international match against a team from Mashhad, demonstrating the early inclusion of the region in cross-border sports contacts. In 1928, the Turkmenistan national team participated in the All-Union Spartakiad in Moscow, achieving commendable results in competitions with teams from other Soviet regions. During the 1930s, football actively developed within the framework of the Soviet physical culture system. A particularly important role during this period was played by the Ashgabat club ‘Kolhozchy’, later known as ‘Kopetdag’, which represented the Turkmen SSR in Soviet championships. The team’s performances in the second league of the USSR Championship from the 1960s to the 1980s contributed to the development of professional personnel, a coaching school, and a stable sports infrastructure. By the time of independence in 1991, the country already possessed a well-developed foundation for the further autonomous advancement of football. Following the proclamation of Turkmenistan’s independence, the formation of a national football structure began. In 1992, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT) was established, tasked with managing national competitions, developing club football, and preparing national teams. In 1993, the Federation joined the subregional organization CAFA, and in 1994, it became a full member of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), officially integrating Turkmenistan into the international football community. Based on the FFT, regular competitions were systematized, forming the foundation of club football in the country. In 1992, the first season of the Ýokary Liga (Top League) was launched, including the leading clubs of the country, providing regular match practice and fostering a sustainable competitive environment. In 1993, the Turkmenistan Cup was established, creating additional opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills and for young talents to emerge. Gradually, regional, youth, and junior championships were introduced, creating a prepared coaching and refereeing infrastructure and ensuring the institutional maturity of national football. On the international stage, the Turkmenistan national team began competing following the FFT’s registration with FIFA. In 2004, the team participated for the first time in the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup, marking an important milestone in the national team’s history. Participation in international tournaments facilitated the accumulation of experience and the strengthening of the country’s sporting image. At various times, the team demonstrated positive trends in the FIFA rankings, confirming its potential for further growth. In 2025, the U-17 team defeated Afghanistan in the CAFA Championship, demonstrating the strengthening of youth football. Club football in Turkmenistan, over more than three decades of independence, has undergone stages of consolidation and structural stabilization. In the 1990s, leading positions were held by ‘Kopetdag’ and ‘Nisa’, while in the 2010s, ‘Altyn Asyr’ dominated, winning the national championship eight consecutive times from 2014 to 2021. In 2018, ‘Altyn Asyr’ reached the final of the AFC Cup, marking a significant achievement for Turkmen club football on the international stage. In recent years, noticeable progress has been demonstrated by the clubs ‘Ahal’ and ‘Arkadag’. The football club ‘Arkadag’, founded in 2023, quickly became a symbol of national football development. In its debut season, the team won the Turkmenistan championship, and in 2025, it secured the title for the third consecutive time, completing the season undefeated: 28 matches, 84 points, 105 goals scored, and only 15 conceded. These results reflect the club’s high level of organization and strategic approach to management. Turkmen clubs actively participate in international AFC tournaments, providing new opportunities to enhance skills and gain international recognition. For example, ‘Altyn Asyr’s achievements in IFFHS rankings highlight the accomplishments of Turkmen football on the global stage. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasize the priority of sports and football for national development. State initiatives encompass all aspects of football improvement: youth training, coach and referee education, organization of national leagues and championships, and the integration of Turkmen clubs into Asian and global competitions. Modern sports infrastructure in Turkmenistan, including the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, ‘Kopetdag’ Stadium, contemporary sports complexes and training bases, as well as a new modern sports arena in Arkadag city, ensures systematic athlete preparation and the hosting of international competitions, strengthening Turkmenistan’s status as a center for sports tourism and international dialogue. Football development programs include youth tournaments, international seminars for coaches and referees, and experience exchange with representatives of FIFA and the AFC. Training young players and improving coach qualifications remain priorities: ‘D’ license certification programs enable work with children’s teams, and Turkmen youth national teams actively participate in CAFA regional tournaments. In 2025, a new head coach, Rovshen Meredov, with a PRO license, was appointed to the national team, reflecting the federation’s commitment to improving team performance internationally. FIFA experts visiting Turkmenistan noted the activity of the Football Federation and the potential for further development, emphasizing the importance of the ‘Football in Schools’ program for promoting the sport among youth. The key event in the modern history of Turkmen football was the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and the Saudi Arabian club ‘Al-Nassr’, which took place on February 11, 2026, in Ashgabat. Despite the Turkmen team's narrow 0-1 defeat, the match demonstrated the institutional maturity of national football and its readiness to host international competitions. The return match is planned for 18 February 2026 in Riyadh at Al-Awwal Park, where the hosts will have an advantage due to the result of the first encounter. This second match will be significant not only for qualifying to the quarterfinals but also for assessing the competitiveness of the Turkmen club at the international level. Football in Turkmenistan is not only a sporting competition, but also a significant social institution that contributes to strengthening national unity, educating youth, and the country's international standing.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan strengthen parliamentary cooperation
12.02.2026A meeting of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group was held in Islamabad with the participation of Atajan Movlamov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The meeting, chaired by Pakistani MP Sanjay Perwani, served as a platform for presenting Turkmenistan's potential. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan provided parliamentarians with information about the country's political system and foreign policy, which is based on permanent neutrality. The main focus was on the economy and logistics – the development of transport links and trans-regional trade routes. Tourism opportunities were also discussed, including natural attractions and Ahal-Teke horses as a national symbol. Sanjay Perwani emphasised the role of parliamentary friendship groups as a tool for strengthening bilateral dialogue. The parties expressed their intention to intensify the exchange of delegations and expand people-to-people contacts. Pakistan is considered by Turkmenistan to be an important partner in the southern direction, and the development of parliamentary cooperation is intended to promote major regional initiatives.
Turkmen brand ‘Gala’ strengthens its position in the fashion market
12.02.2026The Turkmen textile brand ‘Gala’ is strengthening its position as one of the country's most sought-after manufacturers of modern casual and sportswear. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The brand's stores offer a wide range of products for the whole family. Knitted sports suits for children, teenagers and adults, designed with an active lifestyle in mind, occupy a special place in the line. The models combine comfort, practicality and current fashion trends. The most popular among young people are two-piece suits, including trousers and windbreakers with functional pockets, high collars, with and without hoods. The thoughtful cut ensures freedom of movement, and the soft and durable knitwear makes the products comfortable for everyday wear, walks and sports. The collections also include sweatshirts, hoodies and T-shirts made from high-quality materials. A separate category is made up of T-shirts featuring an image of Vepaly, the Alabay puppy mascot of the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, symbolising sporting spirit and the desire to win. Among the brand's new products are knitted hats that complement sports outfits. A wide colour palette allows you to choose an accessory for any outfit, and the branded patch with the ‘Gala’ logo emphasises the brand's recognisability. According to company representatives, all products are made from environmentally friendly materials using modern technologies and meet high quality standards.
In 2025, Turkmenistan accelerated the development of international transport corridors
12.02.2026The year 2025, declared by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Peace and Trust, has become a stage of large-scale modernisation of the transport and communication system for Turkmenistan. Infrastructure projects being implemented in the country are aimed at transforming the state into one of the leading transit hubs in Eurasia, according to the state news agency TDH. The national transport strategy is based on the idea of reviving the Great Silk Road, which is now being filled with modern content. Under the leadership of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, programmes to develop rail, road, air, sea and digital communications are being consistently implemented in the country. Turkmenistan participates in key international transport initiatives, including the Ashgabat Agreement, the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, the TRACECA project and the ‘Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran’ railway. These routes form a ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ link, strengthening the region's integration into global logistics. In December 2025, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution proclaiming the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), which was an international recognition of the country's role in shaping the global transport agenda. Institutional reforms gave a significant boost to the development of the industry. In 2025, specialised ministries and government agencies were established in the country for rail, road, sea, air transport and communications, which made it possible to improve management efficiency and introduce modern standards. Civil aviation is actively developing: Balkanabat International Airport has been put into operation, a flight safety programme has been approved, and international cooperation is expanding. The airline ‘Turkmenistan’ has become a member of TIACA, and the country's aviation school has received ICAO international certification. Maritime infrastructure is being strengthened through the modernisation of ports, the Balkan shipyard and the expansion of Caspian routes. In the field of motorways, new highways are being built, including the ‘Turkmenbashi-Garabogaz’ section and a bridge across the Garabogazkol Bay connecting Turkmenistan with Kazakhstan. Rail transport is being equipped with modern rolling stock, which is expanding the geography of transit traffic. At the same time, digital infrastructure is being developed: fibre-optic networks are being expanded, e-government is being introduced, and cybersecurity is being strengthened. The city of Arkadag has become a special symbol of the digital future, with the introduction of 4G+ and 5G technologies, as well as elements of a ‘smart’ and ‘green’ city. Thus, Turkmenistan is not only reviving the idea of the Great Silk Road, but also forming a modern transport and communication corridor, strengthening its position as a reliable international partner and an important logistics centre in Eurasia.
Turkish businesses have implemented 1,098 projects in Turkmenistan
12.02.2026Turkish companies have implemented 1,098 projects worth $56 billion in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat after a meeting with Turkish businessmen in Ashgabat, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The meeting, organised with the support of Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Demirok, highlighted the steady growth of cooperation and new contracts for Turkish companies. During its time in the Turkmen market, Turkish businesses have participated in major infrastructure projects: power plants and power lines, roads, residential complexes, shopping centres, universities and schools, public buildings, hotels, industrial facilities, museums, parks and medical facilities. The minister also visited the country to participate in an exhibition of Turkish export goods in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat hosted a historic AFC Champions League Two match
12.02.2026The Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat, the largest in Central Asia, hosted the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Second Round match between the Turkmen club ‘Arkadag’ and the Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The match was a clear reflection of Turkmenistan's state policy aimed at developing sport and enhancing its international prestige. Before the start of the match, spectators were treated to a concert programme dedicated to the country's achievements in sport. After that, the teams took to the field, and the lighting of the torch in the stadium symbolised the official start of the match. From the very first minutes, the game was tense. Both teams demonstrated a high level of skill, with ‘Arkadag’s players confidently defending and actively counterattacking. The support of the packed stands created a special atmosphere in the stadium. The match ended with a score of 0:1 in favour of ‘Al-Nassr’. Despite the result, the match was a significant event for Turkmen football and received widespread public attention. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, regardless of the outcome, such matches are a celebration for the people and an incentive for new achievements by athletes. The meeting became a symbol of cultural dialogue, international partnership and further development of sport in Turkmenistan.
Diplomatic reception in Ashgabat strengthens ties between Turkmenistan and Iran
12.02.2026A formal reception dedicated to Iran's national holiday, Revolution Day, was held in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies and the public attended the event. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Iran's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani noted the strength of bilateral ties and emphasised the historical and cultural proximity of the two countries. According to him, Iran respects Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and considers it an important factor for stability in the region. The diplomat also noted Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional integration and developing economic cooperation. On the Turkmen side, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov spoke. He conveyed congratulations to the President of Iran and the people of the country, and also emphasised the dynamic development of trade and economic ties. According to the minister, 2025 has been one of the most productive periods in the history of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. During the reception, the parties expressed their confidence that the traditions of good neighbourliness and mutual respect would continue to serve as the basis for the implementation of joint projects. Particular attention will be paid to the development of regional integration and the expansion of humanitarian contacts.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan presented his credentials to the King of Thailand
11.02.2026On 10 February, Muhammetniyaz Mashalov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Thailand (residing in Kuala Lumpur), presented his credentials to King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The ceremony took place in Bangkok at the Amphorn Royal Palace. During the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the King of Thailand from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The King congratulated the Head of the diplomatic mission on his appointment to this responsible position and wished him success in his work. He also noted his desire to visit Turkmenistan in the future. Turkmenistan's interest in further developing cooperation with Thailand in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres was confirmed. After the ceremony, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a brief conversation with the new ambassadors, noting his readiness to support them and assist in their diplomatic activities. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts at the level of foreign ministries to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Thailand.
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.
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