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Turkmenistan and South Korea are strengthening their trade and logistics ties
08.08.2026‘Hazar Logistik’ held a working meeting with representatives of the South Korean company ‘Hyundai Corporation’, during which the parties discussed cooperation in the field of logistics, the company announced on its social media channels on Thursday. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The meeting took place at ‘Hazar Logistik’s office in Ashgabat and was attended by Brian J. Park, director of ‘Hyundai Corporation’s Ashgabat office. The parties discussed the development of logistics cooperation, including attracting investment, increasing freight volumes and implementing joint projects. Representatives of ‘Hyundai Corporation’ spoke highly of Turkmenistan’s transit and logistics potential and expressed an interest in long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. According to the company, the meeting marked an important step towards strengthening trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Turkmenistan has invited French horse breeders to the World Championships
07.08.2026On 5 August 2026, Ambassador of Turkmenistan M. Charyev held an online meeting with Nicolas Menu, President of the Ahal-Teke France Association, and Héloïse Ghirardi, Vice-President of the association. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed preparations for the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke beauty contest. The events will take place on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (the Netherlands). The Ambassador provided an update on preparations for the championships and invited the association’s leadership and members to take part in the competitions. Representatives of the association expressed their gratitude for the invitation and confirmed the interest of French owners of Ahal-Teke horses in taking part in the competitions. There are around 300 Ahal-Teke horses in France.
Measures to support breastfeeding have been proposed in Turkmenistan
07.08.2026Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Services at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, proposed a number of initiatives to support breastfeeding at a high-level national ‘round table’. The forum was organised by the Charitable Foundation and the Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In her speech, she emphasised the need to provide women with high-quality advice and practical support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. ‘Investing in breastfeeding is an investment in the future of the nation. Supporting breastfeeding enhances child protection, improves children’s nutrition and promotes their full development, strengthens mothers’ health, reduces healthcare costs, and makes a significant contribution to building a healthy society,’ said Oguljahan Atabayeva. The Vice-President highlighted the need to develop specific measures to strengthen breastfeeding support systems. Practical steps include organising peer-to-peer counselling sessions involving local mothers. In her view, nurses and lactation consultants could take on the task of training such activists across all regions of the country. Oguljahan Atabayeva also proposed launching an information campaign involving the media to raise public awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and to encourage local businesses to create facilities for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. ‘Strong will and dedication are essential to achieving these goals. Let us work together for the well-being of children, which begins with breast milk,’ concluded the vice-president of the Charitable Foundation.
Students from Asia visited the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels
07.08.2026A meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels with a group of 30 students from Asian countries, predominantly from the People’s Republic of China. The young participants in the educational programme had travelled to the Belgian capital to learn about the workings of the European Union’s institutions and diplomatic missions, according to the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, briefed the guests on the activities of the diplomatic mission, which also represents the country’s interests within the institutions of the European Union. During the meeting, the Ambassador spoke about the history, development and cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, as well as the fundamental principles of the country’s foreign policy, which is based on permanent neutrality, peacefulness, mutual respect and good-neighbourliness. Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s international initiatives aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and sustainable development. It was noted that the country advocates resolving pressing issues through political and diplomatic means and is developing cooperation with states and international organisations. The students were also provided with information on the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The role of Ahal-Teke racehorses in the history and culture of the Turkmen people was highlighted separately. The guests were briefed on preparations for the international equestrian and cultural events to be held in September 2026 in the Netherlands. The meeting also covered issues relating to Turkmenistan’s state policy, social protection of the population and the activities of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The students were briefed on the forthcoming session of this socio-political institution, scheduled for September this year. The meeting concluded with a quiz on the history, culture and foreign policy of Turkmenistan. The winners were presented with commemorative gifts, the main one being a traditional Turkmen carpet. During the discussion, the students asked questions about the work of diplomats, Turkmenistan’s relations with the European Union and the country’s international initiatives. The Embassy organises such meetings to foster intercultural dialogue and broaden young people’s knowledge of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan has continued to pursue a policy of strengthening international partnerships
07.08.2026In July, Turkmenistan continued to develop bilateral and multilateral cooperation with states and international organisations as part of its foreign policy. This was reported by the TDH news agency. Meetings were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, who presented their letters of credence. Negotiations were also held with representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran and New Zealand. Following a series of meetings, documents aimed at developing bilateral cooperation were signed. In July, a delegation from Turkmenistan visited the Republic of Indonesia, where the first political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries took place. The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the development of the ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ format. Particular attention was paid to cooperation with the Republic of Korea. A meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with a delegation led by Choi Hyung Du, Head of the Korea–Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. In addition, the Turkmen delegation took part in the third meeting of senior officials of the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Cooperation Forum. The 9th meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan took place in Ashgabat. Participants discussed the implementation of previously reached agreements and further joint projects. Cooperation with the United Nations and its specialised agencies continued. Meetings were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with representatives of the International Labour Organisation, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, and the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. A delegation from Turkmenistan also took part in the High-Level Political Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, where it presented the country’s experience in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At a meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, the results of work for the first half of the year and plans for further cooperation with UNESCO and ICESCO were reviewed. On 22 July, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN addressed the open debate of the UN Security Council on issues of international peace and security. On 24 July, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 78 states. In July, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 13th meeting of the High-Level Dialogue ‘European Union–Central Asia’ in Brussels. Negotiations were also held with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Following the meeting with the EBRD, cooperation agreements were signed. The Foreign Affairs Ministry hosted the 65th meeting of Turkmenistan’s Interdepartmental Commission on Caspian Sea Issues, at which preparations for the Caspian Environmental Summit, scheduled for October in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, were discussed. Over the course of the month, negotiations were held with representatives of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as a Turkmen-Chinese dialogue in Beijing dedicated to the further development of bilateral relations. The meetings, negotiations and international events held in July confirmed the continuation of Turkmenistan’s active cooperation with foreign partners in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
The Afghan delegation discussed the development of economic cooperation in Ashgabat
07.08.2026An Afghan delegation paid an official working visit to Ashgabat, during which it discussed with the Turkmen side the development of economic cooperation and the expansion of trade and investment ties. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The delegation comprised representatives of the Board of Directors of the Herat Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and the country’s business community. Meetings were held in Ashgabat with the leadership of the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of the Turkmen business community. The parties discussed ways to increase trade turnover, streamline trade procedures, expand cooperation between the private sectors, and implement new investment projects. During the negotiations, the role of Turkmenistan as one of Afghanistan’s key economic partners was highlighted. The parties also emphasised the importance of geographical proximity, the port of Turgundi, the ‘Herat–Turgundi’ railway and regional projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, for the development of trade and transit cooperation.
The OSCE Head highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening dialogue and stability
07.08.2026The current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, described Turkmenistan as a valuable partner for the organisation in strengthening dialogue, stability and cooperation. He made this statement following an official visit to the country, according to the news website Turkmenportal. During his visit, Ignazio Cassis held meetings with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. The parties discussed cooperation between the OSCE and Turkmenistan, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation across the organisation’s three security pillars. The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the role of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in fostering constructive dialogue with Turkmenistan. He met with staff at the centre and expressed his appreciation for their work in implementing the organisation’s mandate and developing engagement with state institutions and civil society. The visit to Turkmenistan formed part of Ignazio Cassis’s regional tour. He had previously visited Azerbaijan and plans to visit Armenia and Georgia in the autumn.
Turkmenistan has reaffirmed its commitment to developing its partnership with the OSCE
07.08.2026During a meeting with the Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, which currently holds the Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the visit marked an important stage in the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed issues of international cooperation, the maintenance of peace, stability and sustainable development. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to bilateral relations. The Head of State reaffirmed his interest in the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Switzerland in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
A coach from the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club spoke highly of the Ashgabat velodrome
07.08.2026From 4 to 20 August, Ashgabat is hosting a joint training camp for the Turkmenistan national cycling team and a cycling club from Abu Dhabi (UAE). Fahd Housh, coach of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, spoke highly of the sporting infrastructure in the Turkmen capital. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to him, the indoor velodrome meets Olympic standards and provides optimal conditions for professional training due to its high-quality track surface, the parameters of the bends and its modern infrastructure. The expert, who took up cycling in 1985, noted that he is now passing on his many years of experience to young athletes. He also emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of cycling. It was previously reported that the delegation from Abu Dhabi comprises 28 people, whilst the Turkmen side is represented by 15 athletes led by head coach Kakabay Atayev. During the training camp, the participants will cover around 1,270 kilometres on the open road, hold six training sessions and three seminars at the Olympic Village velodrome. Following the training camp, the Turkmenistan national team will compete in the Track Asia Cup in Thailand, which takes place from 28 to 30 August, and will then take part in the Asian Games in Japan from 29 September to 2 October.
Experts from Turkmenistan are taking part in a training course on the glaciers of the Tien Shan
07.08.2026Young professionals from Turkmenistan are taking part in the International Summer School on data collection methodologies for modelling changes in glaciation in the inner Tien Shan. This has been reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The course is taking place from 3 to 8 August at Lake Issyk-Kul, with the participation of experts in hydrology, meteorology, glaciology and ecology from Central Asian countries. The programme aims to study the consequences of glacier retreat in the region. According to the World Bank, by 2050 the area of glaciation could decrease by approximately one-third, increasing the risk of floods and mudslides. Practical sessions are being held at the Tien Shan International Scientific Centre, including the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu hydrometeorological station and the Kara-Batkak Glacier. Scientists and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, France, Belgium and Japan are involved in delivering the sessions. The summer school is being run with the support of the World Bank as part of a regional project to restore sustainable landscapes.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeded $598 million in the first half of the year
07.08.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in January–June 2026 amounted to $598.9 million. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. During the reporting period, Uzbekistan imported Turkmen goods worth $503 million, whilst its exports to Turkmenistan totalled $95.9 million. Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover for this period reached $41 billion, an increase of $2.8 billion, or 7.4 per cent, compared with the same period in 2025. In 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to $1.2 billion.
A Turkmen fighter engaged in a stare-down before his bout at the PFL Charlotte tournament
07.08.2026Turkmen mixed martial arts fighter Dovletjan Yagshimuradov exchanged glances with British fighter Simeon Powell ahead of their upcoming bout as part of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) tournament. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The light-heavyweight bout is set to take place on 7 August in Charlotte (North Carolina, USA) at the Bojangles Coliseum. The fight is on the main card of the PFL Charlotte event. The bout was originally scheduled to take place in New York, but was rescheduled following a decision by the local athletic commission, which barred Powell from competing due to a previous operation. The opponents have remained matched up and will fight a week after the original date. Yagshimuradov’s record stands at 26 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw, whilst Powell’s is 12 wins and 2 losses. The main card is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN. Mixed martial arts enthusiasts and fans of Dovletjan Yagshimuradov in Turkmenistan will be able to watch the bout live on the ‘Belet’ platform. The fight is due to take place at approximately 08:30 am on 8 August, Ashgabat time.
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