News
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey will support media coverage of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
06.08.2026The international news portal ‘Turkic World’, with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey, will begin providing regular coverage of the preparations for and proceedings of the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. A special section has been launched on the portal, where official news, information materials and reports on events in the run-up to the session will be published on a regular basis. During the session itself, the section will be promptly updated with material on its proceedings, key speeches, decisions taken and initiatives put forward. The creation of the section is the result of joint work between the embassy and the portal’s editorial team — the aim of the project is to provide comprehensive coverage of the event and to inform the international community about Turkmenistan’s state policy. The materials are available at: https://turkic.world/tm/latest/.
‘Awaza’ will host a meeting between the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan
06.08.2026At the end of July, the leaders of the six Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration in Cholpon-Ata, reaffirming the high level of trust between the states of the ‘CA-6’ format. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The meeting served as preparation for the 8th official Consultative Meeting of Heads of State, which is due to take place on 8 October 2026 in Turkmenistan’s ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea. This regional integration framework has taken shape over the past eight years. The first step was a meeting of Central Asian leaders in Astana, which laid the foundations for the ‘CA-5’ framework and aimed to strengthen trust between states, coordinate foreign policy and remove bureaucratic barriers. Over the course of the seven subsequent meetings, the countries resolved issues relating to the delimitation and demarcation of borders, established mechanisms for managing water and energy resources, increased trade, and established joint transport corridors. The second step was Azerbaijan’s accession to the platform. Baku was granted guest-of-honour status, and its full membership was subsequently announced at the Seventh Consultative Meeting in Tashkent — thus establishing the ‘CA-6’ format. This gave the countries of the region access to Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and European markets. The third step was an informal meeting of the leaders of the six countries in Cholpon-Ata. In addition to a joint declaration, the participants discussed issues relating to security, logistics, water management and energy. At the forthcoming meeting in Awaza, the leaders plan to discuss regional security, trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport logistics, the environment, water resources, as well as humanitarian and youth cooperation.
Turkmenistan is expanding its cultural heritage and international cooperation
06.08.2026Work is continuing in Turkmenistan to develop culture, preserve the national heritage and promote it abroad. One of the priorities of state policy is to support creative activities, modernise cultural infrastructure and improve the regulatory framework, according to the news agency TDH. Libraries, museums, theatres and arts institutions play a significant role in the cultural sphere. The country is implementing the ‘State Programme for the Development of the Library Sector in Turkmenistan for 2025–2029’, aimed at modernising library services and introducing digital technologies. Electronic catalogues and virtual libraries are expanding access to information resources. Museums in Turkmenistan continue their work to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Their collections are being expanded with new exhibits, whilst digital projects and virtual tours are being developed. In recent years, exhibitions of the country’s museum treasures have been held at cultural centres abroad, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and museums in Germany. In 2026, the exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ concluded at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Theatre, music and opera are flourishing. The country’s theatres stage productions based on works by Turkmen and foreign authors. The development of the national opera continues, with well-known works being reintroduced into the repertoire and new productions being created. As part of Culture Week 2026, the opera ‘Leyli and Majnun’ was performed. Particular attention is paid to the preservation of traditional art forms. The performing art of the bakhshi and the national art of singing and dancing known as ‘kushtdepdi’ are being developed. Specialists in the field of culture are trained at the Maya Kuliyeva Turkmen National Conservatoire and the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, as well as at music and art schools. In Ashgabat, construction is continuing on the ‘Güneşli’ Children’s and Youth Centre, which will house the Bazar Amanov State Children’s Library, complete with digital facilities and an observatory. The project is being funded by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. National competitions remain one of the key areas for fostering creative potential, including the President of Turkmenistan’s ‘Türkmeniň Altyn asyry’ Award, the television competition ‘Ýaňlan, Diýarym!’, as well as the ‘Çalsana, bagşy!’ and ‘Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri’ competitions. Cultural diplomacy is an important part of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation. As part of the Strategy for the Development of Cultural Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052, the country is expanding its humanitarian ties and developing cooperation with international organisations, including UNESCO, TURKSOY and ICESCO. Cooperation with UNESCO on the preservation of sites of historical and cultural heritage continues. Monuments, traditions and natural sites in Turkmenistan of universal significance have been included in the organisation’s relevant lists. In 2026, Ashgabat hosted the 27th TURKSOY Opera Days, bringing together artists from Turkmenistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Events were also held to mark the 110th anniversary of the composer Veli Muhadov. Turkmenistan is expanding its cooperation with ICESCO following its granting of observer status with the organisation. During the ‘KazanForum 2026’ international events, initiatives to develop cultural cooperation were presented, including the prospect of Ashgabat being declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2028. Cultural Days, exhibitions, concerts, theatre festivals and film screenings are held regularly both at home and abroad. In 2026, Azerbaijan Cultural Days took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag, whilst Turkmenistan Cultural Days were held in Moscow and Tbilisi. The domestic film industry is also developing. The film ‘The Composer’, produced by the Oguz Han ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, has received international awards from TURKSOY. The film had previously been recognised at international film festivals. Cultural diplomacy is also linked to the development of tourism. As a member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Turkmenistan is developing cooperation in the field of cultural and educational tourism and the promotion of the country’s historical attractions. The works of Magtymguly Pyragy hold particular significance within the country’s cultural heritage. In 2024, the ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’ cultural and park complex was opened in Ashgabat to mark the 300th anniversary of the poet and thinker. Efforts are also being made to promote Ahal-Teke horses. To this end, international equestrian competitions and horse beauty contests are held, and the ‘Galkynyş’ National Equestrian Games Group performs abroad.
‘Kenar’ is boosting Turkmenistan’s export capacity for petroleum products
06.08.2026The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex of the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ is increasing the volume of production and supply of petroleum and petrochemical products in demand on international markets. The leading enterprise for the storage and shipment of petroleum products, ‘Kenar’, is contributing to the development of export potential, reports the online news site AsmanNews. Since the start of the year, more than 1,890,000 tonnes of petroleum products have been dispatched from here to domestic and foreign customers, including over 372,000 tonnes for export. The facility handles the transport of various types of products, including aviation kerosene, motor petrol, diesel fuel and lubricating oils. In recent years, ‘Kenar’s infrastructure has undergone technical modernisation. An automated railway loading and unloading gantry for light petroleum products, with a capacity of 3.85 million tonnes per year, has been commissioned. All operations, including loading, weighing and document processing, are carried out digitally. The vapour recovery system prevents the loss of over 300 tonnes of petrol annually and reduces the environmental impact. In collaboration with the British company Petro Gas LLP, a new marine berth No. 3 has been constructed, equipped with advanced equipment manufactured in the USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Its capacity enables the transhipment of significant volumes of raw materials and finished products. Additional process safety is ensured by autonomous pumping and transformer stations, whilst the installation of ‘TS-1’ filters on the aviation kerosene pipeline enhances operational reliability.
Turkmen entrepreneurs have been invited to the TTR II 2026 exhibition in Romania
06.08.2026Turkmen entrepreneurs will be able to take part in the autumn session of the TTR II 2026 tourism exhibition, which will take place from 19 to 22 November 2026 at the Romexpo Exhibition Centre in Bucharest (Romania). This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. TTR II 2026 will bring together representatives of the tourism industry, including national tourism organisations, agencies, tour operators, hotel chains, airlines and transport companies. The exhibition will showcase tourist destinations, hotel and transport services, digital solutions and industry innovations. B2B meetings, negotiations and events aimed at establishing new business contacts are also planned. The exhibition has been held twice a year – in spring and autumn – since 1999 and is one of Romania’s largest tourism business platforms, bringing together participants from both the national and international markets.
Turkmenistan and the UAE are strengthening ties in the field of horse breeding
06.08.2026A delegation from the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS) of the UAE, headed by its Director-General, Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, has arrived in Ashgabat. The visit is aimed at developing cooperation in the field of horse breeding and strengthening ties between Ahal-Teke and Arabian horse breeding centres, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The guests were welcomed by the Deputy Director-General of the ‘Türkmen Atlary’ Association and the First Secretary of the relevant department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On the first day of the visit, the delegation held negotiations at the ‘Türkmen Atlary’ Association, visited the State Museum of Turkmenistan and the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex, where they were introduced to Ahal-Teke racehorses. The Head of the delegation emphasised the importance of exchanging experience in the field of horse breeding. As part of the programme, EAHS representatives will visit the town of Arkadag, where they will learn about the activities of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and the Research and Production Centre. A performance by the ‘Galkynyş’ national equestrian games troupe at the Gorogly Circus is also planned. The delegation’s visit will last until 7 August.
Turkmenistan discusses ways to promote breastfeeding
06.08.2026A high-level national round-table discussion on promoting exclusive breastfeeding took place in Ashgabat. The event, timed to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, was organised by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reports AsmanNews. Participants at the forum discussed measures to support breastfeeding and ensure the healthy development of children. Attention also focused on the implementation of the national programme ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’ and the law on supporting breastfeeding. The forum highlighted the contribution of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation to the development of the system for the protection of mothers and children, including the provision of equipment to healthcare facilities and cooperation with the UN. Following the meeting, it was proposed to expand the network of peer counsellors and to engage the business sector in creating favourable conditions for breastfeeding mothers. Participants reaffirmed their intention to continue working together in this area across all regions of the country.
The President of Turkmenistan received the Vice-President of Switzerland
06.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE and Switzerland. The President of Turkmenistan noted that Ignazio Cassis’s visit represents an important step towards further strengthening cooperation. The Head of State emphasised that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cooperation with the OSCE on issues relating to the maintenance of peace, sustainable development and the implementation of joint programmes, which are drawn up annually by the Government of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The willingness to continue the partnership in the field of human rights and the study of international experience was also reaffirmed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that there were opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, environmental protection and the rational use of water resources. Particular attention was paid to Turkmen-Swiss relations. The Head of State reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in developing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as its readiness to consider proposals from the Swiss side. Ignazio Cassis confirmed the interest of the OSCE and Switzerland in further developing cooperation with Turkmenistan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged best wishes.
A conference to mark Caspian Sea Day will be held at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourism Zone
06.08.2026On 12 August, the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone will host a scientific and practical conference dedicated to Caspian Sea Day. The event is being organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The conference will bring together specialists, experts and representatives of government departments to discuss pressing issues relating to environmental protection in the Caspian region. Caspian Sea Day is celebrated annually by the Caspian littoral states with the aim of drawing attention to the conservation of the ecosystem and biodiversity, and the sustainable use of resources in the world’s largest inland body of water.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the OSCE discussed prospects for cooperation
06.08.2026On 5 August 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Ignazio Cassis, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the activities of the OSCE and the prospects for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Organisation, as well as with the Swiss Confederation. It was noted that Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the OSCE takes place on a systematic basis within the framework of the annual Project Plan of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, covering all three areas of the Organisation’s activities. The participants emphasised the importance of holding high-level regional events in Ashgabat with the participation of the OSCE leadership. They also discussed preparations for upcoming joint events aimed at developing regional cooperation and exchanging experience. Particular attention was paid to the further development of cooperation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE, the Organisation’s Secretariat, its institutions and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
Ashgabat to host an Indian film festival
06.08.2026The Indian Film Festival will take place in Ashgabat from 14 to 16 August 2026. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event is organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan. Admission to the screenings is free, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The festival programme features three films. On 14 August at 17:00, audiences will be shown the sports drama ‘Dangal’ (2016), and on 15 August at 17:00, the romantic comedy ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995). The programme will conclude on 16 August at 11.00 with the sports drama ‘Chak De! India’ (2007).
OSCE Head Ignazio Cassis has arrived in Turkmenistan
06.08.2026The current Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis, visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat upon his arrival in Turkmenistan and thanked the staff of the mission for their work. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Ignazio Cassis highlighted the importance of the OSCE’s activities on the ground. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has been operating since 1999 and assists Turkmenistan in the areas of security, including arms control, border security, economic and environmental cooperation, as well as human rights and good governance. Cassis’s visit is taking place as part of Switzerland’s chairmanship of the OSCE.
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