News
Turkmenistan expands international fibre optic network
10.02.2026Turkmenistan is implementing a programme to modernise its telecommunications infrastructure, which will see the number of international fibre-optic lines increase from eight to eleven by 2028. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The country's Ministry of Communications plans to build a cross-border line to Afghanistan, which will expand transit capabilities and provide access to South Asian markets. At the same time, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are jointly laying an underwater fibre-optic cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea and developing land-based trunk lines in western directions. The implementation of these initiatives is expected to significantly increase the capacity of the national network and strengthen Turkmenistan's role as a transit telecommunications hub between the regions of Eurasia.
The 12th Exhibition of Turkish Goods has commenced in Ashgabat
10.02.2026The 12th Exhibition of Turkish Export Goods has opened in Ashgabat, with around 100 companies and business associations taking part. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The grand opening of the event was conducted by the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, Omer Bolat, who arrived in the capital of Turkmenistan with an official delegation. The exhibition will run from 10 to 12 February. The event provides Turkish manufacturers and exporters with an opportunity to present their products on the Turkmen market, as well as to establish new business contacts. The exhibition features products from a wide range of industries. The organisers invite Turkmen companies to visit the exhibition to familiarise themselves with the range of Turkish brands and consider the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. During his visit, Minister O. Bolat will hold a series of negotiations with representatives of Turkmen government agencies and business circles aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties.
New environmental research programme approved in Turkmenistan
10.02.2026The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan has approved a programme of scientific and practical research for the period 2026–2030. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme covers ecology, forestry and rational nature management. The focus is on the impact of climate change on ecosystems, monitoring of flora in the ‘Altyn Asyr’ lake area and assessment of the condition of pastures important for livestock breeding. A separate block of work is devoted to protecting infrastructure from sand drifts, including the development of methods for stabilising sand along roads and pipelines, primarily in the Balkan velayat. At the same time, the institute will continue its research on biodiversity conservation, pest control and the cultivation of rare plant species to strengthen the country's forest ecosystems.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan spoke at a festival in Taxila
10.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, took part in the annual Orange Festival, which was held on 7 February at the Zaildar House complex in the historic city of Taxila (Punjab province) with the participation of diplomats, officials and representatives of civil society. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The event was organised by the Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, in conjunction with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan and the deans of the diplomatic corps and military attaché corps. The guest of honour at the festival, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy for the development of international cooperation. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan noted the historical role of Taxila as the centre of Gandhara civilisation and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The festival featured a cultural programme with national cuisine, traditional crafts, horse dances and sports competitions, and guests were particularly interested in the local variety of oranges called ‘Khanpur’.
Turkmen Ambassador attends anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and EU
10.02.2026The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, took part in an event organised by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Brussels to mark the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, according to AsmanNews. The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of EU institutions and official bodies, which provided an opportunity to discuss current issues of cooperation and strengthen professional contacts. Sapar Palvanov congratulated the Kazakh side and expressed hope for further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU based on trust, respect and common interests.
Turkmenistan expands cooperation with Eswatini in the field of technology and digitalisation
10.02.2026The ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’ business association has reached agreements to supply one million SIM cards and 30,000 aluminium LED lamps to the Kingdom of Eswatini. This was reported by ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the ‘Rysgal’ newspaper. During the working visit of the Turkmen delegation, the parties discussed the prospects for strategic cooperation, exchange of experience and implementation of modern technological solutions within the framework of comprehensive projects. Particular attention was paid to the use of national ID passport systems, the digitisation of state registers and ‘Aýdyň Gijeler’s technological solutions in the field of passportisation and identity verification. The discussion confirmed the mutual interest in continuing cooperation and strengthening international partnerships.
Italian Design Days kicked off at the Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan
10.02.2026The State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan has launched Italian Design Days, according to a press release from the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. As part of the event, teachers and students of the university took part in a seminar conducted by Silvia Formentin, Vice-President of the well-known Italian company iDOGI, and architect Sergio Ferrandi. Participants learned about contemporary trends in Italian design and architecture, as well as the activities of iDOGI, a Venice-based company that produces Murano glass lamps, illuminated tables and walls, door frames and fountains.
Tengiz Pachkoria: FC ‘Arkadag’ match will give impetus to Turkmen football
10.02.2026International sports commentator Tengiz Pachkoria arrived in Ashgabat to cover the ‘Arkadag’ match on 11 February. With 46 years of experience, the journalist previously covered the Olympic Games in Sochi and Beijing; his visit to Turkmenistan was the 55th stop on his professional journey, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the match is of historical significance for the club and for Turkmen football as a whole. Pachkoria noted that the match is an important step towards the Turkmenistan national team reaching the final stage of the World Cup and will allow it to face leading European teams such as Georgia and Serbia in the future. During his visit, the journalist conveyed greetings to the Turkmen people from Georgian coach and academician Jemal Gugushvili, who led the Turkmenistan national team in 1996-1997 and laid the foundations for professional football in the country. The expert emphasised that it is not only the result of the match that is important for fans, but also the impetus it will give to the development of national football. In his opinion, the game will be a significant start for Turkmenistan's entry into world football.
The President of Turkmenistan sent his congratulations to participants in the exhibition of Turkish goods
10.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to participants of the Turkish Republic Export Goods Exhibition, which opened in Ashgabat on 10 February. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted that the Republic of Turkey is one of Turkmenistan's key trade and economic partners. Turkish companies are implementing joint projects in various sectors of the economy and expanding business ties with Turkmen partners. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan has created favourable conditions for investment and foreign trade cooperation, which opens up new opportunities for expanding Turkmen-Turkish ties. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that the two countries regularly hold cross-exhibitions, business councils and forums, which contribute to the development of contacts between the public and private sectors. As a result, the Republic of Turkey occupies a significant place in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover. It was reported that the exhibition will feature developments and products from Turkish companies in the agricultural sector, food industry, construction, equipment manufacturing, energy, chemical industry, as well as medicine, education and science. Participants include both companies already operating in Turkmenistan and new exhibitors. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the exhibition would contribute to the growth of trade, the expansion of business contacts and the attraction of investment, and wished the participants success in their work.
Baku Ervin: ‘Arkadag’s match in the AFC Champions League 2 will become a symbol of friendship
09.02.2026Baku Ervin, representative of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), spoke at the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”. This was reported by IIC. He noted the importance of the upcoming AFC Champions League 2 round of 16 match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. According to him, the game will be a symbol of openness, cultural dialogue and international cooperation. Ervin stressed that football unites people regardless of language and borders. In his opinion, the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat is an important symbol of investment in the youth and health of the nation. He congratulated FC ‘Arkadag’ on its achievements and expressed confidence that the match will be a celebration of fair play and will strengthen the friendship between Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries.
FC ‘Arkadag’ showcases Turkmen football on the world stage
09.02.2026At a press conference for the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”, the Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport, Allaberdi Saparov, spoke. He emphasised that the club's entry into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match is not just a sporting achievement, but a vivid testimony to Turkmen football's entry into a new international level. Founded in 2023 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, the club has quickly become a powerful sporting force, according to IIC. Saparov noted that the team's successes in the national championship and victory in the AFC Challenge League were made possible thanks to comprehensive state support. In his speech, the Head of the State Committee drew attention to Turkmenistan's active cooperation with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. He stressed that the country has become a reliable venue for major international tournaments, and the upcoming match with ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 February will be a clear confirmation of this. The game promises to be a real treat for fans and demonstrate the modern level of Turkmen stadiums and the organisation of sporting events. In conclusion, Saparov expressed his confidence that the players and coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ will make every effort to justify the trust placed in them and put on a good show against the world's football stars.
The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be refereed by a referee from Bahrain
09.02.2026The 39-year-old referee from Bahrain, Ammar Ebrahim Hasan Mahfoodh, has been appointed as the main referee for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. His assistants will be Mohamed Jaafar Mohamed Salman and Abdulla Saleh Abdulla Mohsen Alrowaimi. Mohamed Khaled Tarrar will serve as the reserve referee, while Kuwaiti referee Abdullah Al-Kandari will be responsible for the VAR system. The match will take place in Ashgabat on Wednesday, 11 February. Kick-off is at 18:45 local time.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
