News
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–China’ meeting
29.04.2026A meeting of senior officials from the foreign ministries of the member states of the ‘Central Asia–China’ format took place in Xi’an (PRC) on 27–28 April. A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the meeting, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the results of their joint work for 2025 and discussed the progress of initiatives from the Second ‘Central Asia–China’ Summit in Astana, including work on the format’s Long-Term Development Strategy for 2026–2030. The meeting reviewed draft concepts for an interregional council on investment and trade, a programme for a new economic partnership, a ‘green’ development plan up to 2030, and a unified digital portal entitled ‘Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road’. The participants also discussed preparations for the 7th meeting of foreign ministers and the schedule of joint events for 2026.
Turkmenistan is exploring a partnership with the Apple Developer Academy in Naples
29.04.2026Turkmenistan is exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Apple Developer Academy at the University of Naples Federico II. The prospects for the partnership were discussed by the country’s Ambassador to Italy, Toyly Komekov, and the academy’s scientific director, Giorgio Ventre, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The talks focused on the training of IT specialists. The academy’s programme emphasises practical skills: mobile app development, design and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. The Ambassador also met with the university’s rector, Matteo Lorito. The parties discussed cooperation in the fields of agriculture, sustainable development and science, as well as the updating of the legal framework. Following the meetings, the parties agreed to exchange visits to work out the details of joint projects.
Turkmenistan and China have identified priorities for cooperation in the gas and logistics sectors
29.04.2026On 28 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Ji Shumin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the implementation of agreements reached at state and government level in March–April 2026. The gas sector, transport and logistics, and the production of mineral fertilisers were highlighted as priorities for the bilateral partnership. The importance of cooperation in education, science and medicine was also noted. The parties agreed to continue their political and diplomatic dialogue on a regular basis regarding the implementation of the instructions issued by the leadership of both countries.
Turkmenistan and Egypt have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation
29.04.2026On 28 April, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan S. Muhammetdurdyev met with the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Turkmenistan, Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed. The Ambassador presented copies of his credentials, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as issues on the international and regional agenda. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue political consultations, hold meetings of the Turkmen-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, organise Culture Days in Ashgabat and Cairo, and develop cooperation in medicine, education and tourism.
The MFA of Turkmenistan held a briefing for foreign diplomats
29.04.2026On 28 April, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Head of the foreign ministry spoke about key developments in Turkmenistan’s international activities since the start of 2026. Particular emphasis was placed on the overseas visits of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag. Rashid Meredov highlighted the outcomes of Hero Arkadag’s visits to the US, China and Austria. The trip to the US gave impetus to bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. During the visit to the PRC, talks were held with President Xi Jinping, resulting in concrete steps to develop cooperation in the gas sector. In Austria, Hero Arkadag met with the country’s top leadership and representatives of UN bodies, and also spoke at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. The Minister also spoke about the President of Turkmenistan’s participation in the Regional Ecological Summit and the Summit of the Founding Countries of the IFAS in Kazakhstan, where the country’s position on the region’s water issues was reaffirmed. The significance of the Turkmen delegation’s participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum was highlighted separately. The briefing also reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of neutrality and mutually beneficial cooperation. Ambassadors from foreign states and representatives of international organisations made comments.
The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum is taking place in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition opened in Ashgabat on 28 April. The events are being held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will conclude on 30 April, according to the state news agency TDH. Representatives of over 200 Chinese companies are taking part in the forum. The opening ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Mejlis, Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, and heads of diplomatic missions. Participants heard a congratulatory message from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation. A key area of the partnership is the fuel and energy sector. This year, Turkmenistan and China are marking the 20th anniversary of their cooperation in the gas sector. Work has recently commenced on drilling wells and constructing a gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year at the ‘Galkynysh’ field – the fourth phase of its development. More than 70 exhibition stands feature Chinese companies from the oil and gas, transport, telecommunications, agriculture, medicine and education sectors. Exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics and the development of ‘smart’ cities attracted particular interest from visitors. Bilateral meetings between the heads of relevant ministries in Turkmenistan and representatives of Chinese businesses took place during the exhibition. A detailed discussion on trade cooperation is scheduled for the second day of the forum.
Trade between Turkmenistan and China continues to grow rapidly
28.04.2026According to data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, trade between Turkmenistan and China reached $2.228 billion in January–March 2026. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In March 2026, bilateral trade between the countries amounted to $672.093 million. Turkmen exports accounted for the lion’s share of the trade balance. In the first quarter of 2026, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $1.895 billion to China, whilst imports of Chinese products over the same period amounted to approximately $332.3 million. By way of comparison, by the end of 2025, total trade between the two countries had reached $10.046 billion.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is preparing for the World Weightlifting Championships in Egypt
28.04.2026Turkmenistan’s junior weightlifting team has completed its preparations for the World Championships, which will take place from 2 to 8 May in Ismailia, Egypt. The coaching staff has finalised the team line-up, comprising nine athletes—five women and four men, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The women’s squad comprises Ogulshat Amanova and Shabnam Kerimbayeva (up to 53 kg), Medine Amanova (up to 63 kg), Asal Kerimbayeva (up to 77 kg) and Anamjan Rustamova (up to 86 kg). The men’s team will feature Didarbek Jumabayev (up to 79 kg), Islam Akmyradov (up to 94 kg), Suleyman Jafarov (up to 110 kg) and Saparbay Atajanov (over 110 kg). The tournament will serve as an important step in gaining international experience for the young athletes and an opportunity to strengthen Turkmenistan’s position in the IWF rankings. Experts note the balanced composition of the team and anticipate competitive performances, personal bests and a fight for medals.
A regional seminar on nuclear safety was held in Ashgabat, attended by 12 countries
28.04.2026A regional IAEA workshop, supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and dedicated to ensuring the nuclear security of materials outside regulatory control, was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including states in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Mongolia. Participants included staff from customs and border services, law enforcement agencies and emergency services. The main focus was on strengthening national control systems to prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and improve operational response to threats. The seminar confirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to complying with international standards and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security.
The Turkmen women's handball team have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Beach Games in China
28.04.2026The Turkmenistan women’s beach handball team has reached the semi-finals of the 6th Asian Beach Games, currently being held in the Chinese city of Sanya, after finishing second in Group B. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the group stage, the team began with a victory over Sri Lanka (2–0), then lost to China (0–2) and, in the decisive match, beat Mongolia (2–1), clinching victory in a penalty shoot-out. With two wins from three matches, the Turkmen athletes have progressed to the play-offs. In the semi-final on 28 April, they will face the winners of Group A – the Vietnamese national team. The second semi-final will see China take on Thailand. The team is led by coaches Gulendam Narbayeva and Marina Divanova. The Games in Sanya are taking place from 22 to 30 April and feature 14 sports with 63 sets of medals up for grabs.
Turkmenistan took part in discussions on inter-trade union cooperation in Central Asia
28.04.2026A delegation from the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan took part in the General Assembly of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asian Countries, which was held on 27 April in Tashkent. This was reported by the IIC. The role of Uzbekistan’s trade unions in fostering constructive dialogue and promoting the principles of decent work and social protection was highlighted. It was emphasised that cooperation in the region is based on strategic dialogue between the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and is already yielding practical results, including the development of cross-border trade and humanitarian ties. The Turkmen side noted the strengthening of inter-trade union cooperation following the 2025 Ashgabat meeting and supported the further institutional development of the association based on trust and shared goals. In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to partnership, stability and the joint resolution of the region’s socio-economic challenges. Following the meeting, the organisation was transformed into the Confederation of Trade Unions of Central Asia.
The Turkmen-Chinese exhibition opened in Ashgabat
28.04.2026The Turkmen-Chinese Exhibition was officially opened at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In an address by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, read out at the ceremony, it was emphasised that China remains a key trade and economic partner for the country. The priority areas for cooperation were identified as the oil and gas sector, transport and logistics, digital technologies, telecommunications, as well as science, education and tourism. Companies from both countries are participating in the exhibition. Among the Chinese exhibitors are ‘NUCTECH’, ‘HUAWEI’, ‘LOVOL’, ‘SHANTUI’ and others. The ‘Geely’ car brand is being showcased separately with its 2025 models. A Turkmen-Chinese business forum is scheduled for 29 April, where the development of bilateral cooperation and joint projects will be discussed. The events will run until 30 April, and a cultural programme has also been organised for guests from the PRC.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
