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Turkmenistan and EIB make progress in negotiations on framework agreement
04.01.2026Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Division for Central Asia, announced progress in negotiations on a Framework Agreement with Turkmenistan, which could pave the way for the EIB to start operating in the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In addition, E. Bumsteinas noted that the EIB has named 2025 as a key year for the development of EU cooperation with Central Asian countries and announced its intention to increase its activity in the region in 2026. In 2025, the bank increased its financing of projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure, digital connectivity and climate resilience as part of the Global Gateway initiative. In 2026, the bank plans to open its first regional office in Tashkent. The EIB also emphasised the strategic importance of Central Asia for the EU in terms of transport connectivity, energy security and climate policy.
Turkmenistan approves new procedure for registering refugees
04.01.2026The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan has approved an updated procedure for registering and recording persons who have applied for refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as those who have already been granted such status. This was reported by IIC. According to the new requirements, foreign citizens entering the country with the specified status are required to undergo migration registration within three working days of crossing the border. Registration is carried out at the place of permanent or temporary residence, subject to the availability of supporting documents. The document also provides for the introduction of a state information system for migration registration. The system will collect and store personal and biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. A separate set of rules concerns the obligations of the host party — hotels, medical institutions and other organisations. They are required to inform the migration authorities of the arrival and departure of foreign citizens no later than within 24 hours. For cases of mass arrival of persons in emergency situations, a simplified mechanism for registration at temporary accommodation points has been established, followed by migration registration for a period of up to three months. It is noted that the new procedure has been developed in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Refugees’ and is aimed at improving the efficiency of the migration control and registration system.
Midfielder for the Turkmenistan national team transferred to FC ‘Arkadag’
03.01.202625-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev of the Turkmenistan national team has officially become a player for the ‘Arkadag’ football club. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Last season, M. Diniyev played for Kyrgyzstan's ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’, based in Kara-Balta. He played 12 matches and scored two goals. The player's market value is estimated at €150,000. It is worth noting that in the 1/8 finals of the AFC Champions League 2, ‘Arkadag’ football club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, which includes world stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Turkmenistan discussed the development of livestock farming within the framework of the LEAP programme
03.01.2026Online seminars on the LEAP (Partnership for Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance) programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), were held for teachers and students of the Veterinary Faculty of the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University. This was reported by IIC. The events were devoted to assessing the environmental impact of livestock farming and finding sustainable solutions that take into account national characteristics. The training ended with a face-to-face meeting with international experts, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan. Participants noted the active implementation of the LEAP initiative in Central Asia and its focus on sustainable land use and ecosystem services in livestock farming — from food production and breed conservation to organic waste processing. Issues of veterinary safety, vaccination, pasture restoration and the need for integrated natural resource management were also discussed.
The dates for the matches between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in the AFC Champions League 2 have been set
03.01.2026The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the dates and times for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches. Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will play Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 and 18 February, according to Turkmenportal. The first match will take place on 11 February at the ‘Arkadag’ Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,000 spectators. Kick-off is at 18:45 Ashgabat time. The return leg will be held on 18 February in Riyadh and will start at 21:15. In the group stage, ‘Al-Nassr’ took first place in Group D, winning six matches out of six with a goal difference of 22:2. ‘Arkadag’ finished second in Group B with one win, four draws and one defeat, with a goal difference of 5:6. The winner of the match will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the ‘Al-Zawraa’ (Iraq) vs. ‘Al-Wasl’ (UAE) match.
Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States noted Turkmenistan's role in the region
03.01.2026The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, sent a New Year's message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, he noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation and strengthening of mutual understanding in the Turkic world, as well as the role of the President of Turkmenistan in promoting dialogue and expanding cooperation between Turkic states. Kubanychbek Omuraliyev emphasised the significance of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, which was celebrated in 2025, pointing to the country's role in promoting peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the region. The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation within the organisation and wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and the Turkmen people peace and prosperity.
The President of Palestine emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality
03.01.2026President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This is stated in a congratulatory message from the Head of the Palestinian State, reports TDH. In his address, Mahmoud Abbas noted Turkmenistan's achievements over the past year and emphasised the significance of the United Nations General Assembly's decision to declare 2025 the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’. According to him, this initiative reflects international recognition of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and the development of multilateral dialogue. The President of the State of Palestine also congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution on the country's permanent neutrality. He noted the special role of 12 December 1995 in strengthening Turkmenistan's international authority. In conclusion, Mahmoud Abbas wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and longevity, and the Turkmen people peace, well-being and prosperity.
Turkmenistan strengthened its international role of neutrality policy in 2025
03.01.2026In his New Year's address, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that in 2025, at the initiative of the country, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.’ The Head of State noted that this confirmed the consistency of the policy of neutrality, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. As part of the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, a number of international events were held in the country. The key event was the International Forum dedicated to International Neutrality Day. As a result, the Ashgabat Declaration was adopted. The President emphasised that in 2025, Turkmenistan became a platform for active political and diplomatic work, and the country's foreign policy course was practically enshrined in international documents. On the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted several resolutions. Of particular importance are the documents dated 15 December 2025 – ‘The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development’ and ‘The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)’. The first document focuses on the development of consistent energy networks, while the second focuses on strengthening regional and global transport connectivity. Both decisions form a long-term legal basis for economic development. The results of the International Year of Peace and Trust confirmed that neutrality remains a key element of Turkmenistan's internal development and its contribution to international dialogue.
The President of Turkmenistan received congratulatory messages
03.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages for the New Year 2026 from foreign statesmen and heads of international organisations. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. New Year's greetings to the Head of State were sent by the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed Yunus Al-Menfi, and the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas. In their messages, they noted the development of friendly relations, as well as the importance of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and international dialogue. The role of the country in connection with the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality was highlighted separately. Congratulations were also sent by Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Warm wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and the people of Turkmenistan were expressed by Mintimer Shaymiyev, State Councillor of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, and Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS. New Year's greetings were also received from the heads of international organisations — Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The messages noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation in the Turkic world and the strengthening of regional stability. In addition, Alexander Beglov, Governor of the city of St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan on the New Year, expressing confidence in the further development of partnership relations. The authors of the messages wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov health and well-being, and the people of Turkmenistan peace and prosperity.
Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group notes development of cooperation
02.01.2026The Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Friendship Group, Neda Berger, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In her message, she congratulated the Head of State on the arrival of 2026 and wished him new achievements and successes in his state activities, according to TDH. Neda Berger expressed her hope that the new year would contribute to the further expansion and strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation between Turkmenistan and Austria. In conclusion, she wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and prosperity, and the people of the country peace and stability.
The OTS expressed hope for the development of ties with Turkmenistan
02.01.2026The Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, Binali Yıldırım, sent New Year's greetings to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by TDH. In his message, he conveyed his wishes for health, peace and prosperity to the people of Turkmenistan. Binali Yıldırım noted that the culture of solidarity and consultation is being strengthened within the Organization of Turkic States, which, according to him, contributes to the formation of a common future for the Turkic world. The Head of the Council of Elders emphasized his readiness to continue deepening cooperation in all areas, based on common history and values. He also stated that the Council's priority remains to promote sustainable interaction, strengthen unity and mutual trust between countries. In conclusion, Binali Yıldırım expressed his hope for the further development of inter-state relations and wished the President of Turkmenistan success in his state activities in the new year.
Nikol Pashinyan expressed confidence in the development of relations between Turkmenistan and Armenia
02.01.2026Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, expressing confidence in the further steady development of bilateral relations between Yerevan and Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In his congratulatory message, Pashinyan noted that in 2026, Armenian-Turkmen relations, built on the principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to strengthen, opening up new opportunities for expanding cooperation. The Armenian Prime Minister also wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and new successes in the coming year, and the people of Turkmenistan peace, stability and prosperity.
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