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The 25th International Urban Forum will take place in the capital of Turkmenistan
02.04.2026The 25th International Exhibition and Conference ‘White City Ashgabat – 2026’ (WCA 2026) will take place in Ashgabat on 24–25 May. This anniversary forum marks the 25th anniversary of the project and is dedicated to the development of the urban environment and infrastructure. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event will take place following the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held from 17–22 May in Baku under the auspices of UN-Habitat. A round table involving the organisation is planned in Ashgabat to discuss the application of international approaches at city level. The main focus will be on sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, ‘smart city’ technologies, digital management systems, as well as issues of climate resilience and the use of artificial intelligence in urban planning. The forum is seen as a platform for implementing international solutions in practical projects, including in Ashgabat and the Central Asian region. Over the years, the event has become one of the region’s key platforms. In 2025, it was attended by over 550 delegates from more than 30 countries. The number of participants is expected to grow in 2026. The forum is also used to foster investment cooperation. In 2025, contracts worth $54 million were signed with ‘Zoomlion Environmental Industry’ and $682 million with ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction’. Over 100 meetings were held in B2B and B2G formats. Discussions will focus on development projects for Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, including digitalisation, sustainable infrastructure and modern urban planning solutions. The forum’s programme will cover topics such as smart technologies, construction, transport and municipal infrastructure. Participants will be able to engage directly with government bodies and investors. The organisers expect the forum to strengthen Ashgabat’s position as a regional hub for investment and professional cooperation.
Ashgabat and Astana are stepping up their analytical cooperation
02.04.2026On 31 March, Batyr Rejepov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a meeting with Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakh Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on issues relating to the regional and international agenda. Turkmenistan’s role in ensuring stability and sustainable development in the region was highlighted separately. The Head of KazISS expressed confidence in the significance of Ashgabat’s initiatives for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The Ambassador emphasised the high level of inter-state relations, based on good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust. The need to expand cooperation between expert and research circles in both countries was discussed. It was also noted that this year Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are marking the 35th anniversary of their independence. The parties agreed to hold joint events.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of greeting to the exhibition participants
02.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent a message of greeting to the participants of the ‘Cooperation and Development’ International Exhibition. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State highlighted the importance of exhibitions and business forums in promoting the country’s economic potential, developing partnerships and facilitating the exchange of technologies. It was emphasised that state programmes are being implemented in Turkmenistan to modernise and diversify the economy, introduce digital solutions and attract investment. These measures, it was noted, create conditions for expanding foreign economic ties. The President expressed confidence that the exhibition would serve as a platform for establishing new business contacts and developing international cooperation. It was specifically noted that the country is developing cooperation with companies from more than 100 countries, expanding investment and trade partnerships. It is reported that the exhibition provides opportunities for discussing projects and exploring new areas of cooperation. The Head of State emphasised the role of international cooperation in modernising the economy and introducing technologies, as well as in strengthening long-term ties with foreign partners. In conclusion, the President of Turkmenistan wished the participants good health and success in developing cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Georgia have outlined plans to develop multimodal transport
01.04.2026On 31 March, as part of an official visit, a Turkmen delegation led by N. Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with the management of the Port of Poti. The meeting was attended by T. Ioseliani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, representatives of ‘Georgian Railway’ JSC, the Maritime Transport Administration and others. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties noted the development of Turkmen-Georgian relations and identified transport and logistics as a key area of cooperation. The implementation of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea, Lapis Lazuli and ‘Green Ports’ international corridor projects was discussed. Issues regarding the increase in freight turnover, the development of multimodal transport and the introduction of technologies to speed up the processing of transit cargo were considered. Coordination between rail and maritime operators was addressed separately. The prospects of including the ports of Turkmenbashi and Poti in the ‘East–West’ routes and the exchange of experience in terminal management were also discussed. Opportunities for joint investment projects were considered. Following the meeting, interest in establishing a modern logistics chain to develop interregional links was confirmed. After the negotiations, the delegation visited the ports of Poti and Anaklia and familiarised themselves with their infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The Port of Turkmenbashi is strengthening its role in international transport routes
01.04.2026On 27 March, a meeting was held at the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port between the leadership of Turkmenistan’s State Service for Maritime and River Transport and the port administration, and a European Union delegation led by Charlotte Adriaen, Head of the Central Asia and Afghanistan Unit. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the strengthening of the port’s strategic role. The European delegation was shown the port’s modern facilities, cargo flow routes and European-made equipment. Discussions covered projects at the ‘Balkan’ shipbuilding and ship repair yard, international tenders for new vessels, and Turkmenistan’s steps towards acceding to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) FAL Convention to streamline maritime transport. The Turkmen side noted the procurement of new dredgers and the construction of similar vessels at the ‘Balkan’ shipyard. Charlotte Adriaen emphasised the strategic importance of the port as a key hub in international transport corridors.
Turkmenistan and Japan are joining forces to develop data centres
01.04.2026The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan and the Japanese company ‘Muroosystems Corporation’ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing cooperation in the field of establishing and modernising data centres in the country. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The agreement formalises the parties’ intention to build long-term partnerships for the implementation of projects to construct new data centres within Turkmenistan. The main objective of the document is the introduction of modern technological solutions and the development of digital infrastructure in accordance with international standards. The cooperation is expected to involve the use of innovative methods for the design and operation of facilities. It is anticipated that the implementation of the agreement will significantly strengthen the national IT infrastructure, increase the level of digitalisation of the economy and expand opportunities for secure data storage and processing.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are actively developing parliamentary ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, as part of the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, a meeting took place between representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Sodiq Safoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen delegation expressed its gratitude for the invitation to participate in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, taking place in the city of Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, and conveyed its best wishes for the forum’s success. The parties noted that, due to the efforts of the Heads of State, relations between the two countries are effective across various spheres, and, building on the centuries-old experience of Turkmen-Uzbek ties, significant successes have been achieved in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and parliamentary cooperation. It was emphasised that good-neighbourly cooperation between the countries is steadily developing and strengthening both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations on the basis of mutually beneficial relations. During the meeting, the parties also noted that parliamentary dialogue has become an important part of expanding cooperation between the two countries, and that the establishment of bilateral parliamentary friendship groups and the holding of meetings between young and female parliamentarians are of great importance for the exchange of experience in legislative work.
Turkmenistan and Belarus are strengthening their transport and aviation partnership
01.04.2026On 31 March, Batyr Annayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Stanislav Chepurnoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus. The parties reaffirmed their intention to develop business cooperation, according to the Orient news agency. The discussion focused on expanding air links to boost business contacts and tourism. The possibilities for deepening transport and logistics cooperation were also discussed, including new transit schemes and route optimisation. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the next meeting of the Belarusian-Turkmen Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, where it is planned to sign new agreements to add to the existing body of more than 100 documents.
Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–EU’ Forum in Samarkand
01.04.2026From 30 to 31 March, members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the First ‘Central Asia–European Union’ Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum, held in Samarkand. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the forum, participants discussed current international issues, sustainable development and the prospects for strategic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the EU. In his speech, the representative of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the country’s neutral status, its peacekeeping initiatives and the support it receives from UN member states. Turkmenistan’s proposal to declare 2028 the International Year of International Law was also noted. Particular attention was paid at the forum to the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between states. Participants also noted the importance of developing the ‘Central Asia–European Union’ format, which opens up new opportunities for regional cooperation and the revival of the Great Silk Road. Following the plenary session, the forum continued with breakout sessions.
The role of women in modern society was discussed in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026A conference on the role of women in modern society was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by MPs, representatives of the UN, UNESCO and foreign diplomatic missions, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Participants discussed issues relating to support for mothers and children, the state’s humanitarian policy, and the development of international cooperation in the field of women’s rights. Following the meeting, the importance of expanding educational, medical and economic opportunities for women, as well as strengthening their role in society, was emphasised.
A monument to the great Turkmen poet has been restored in Afghanistan
01.04.2026On 31 March, a monument to the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy was unveiled in Mazar-i-Sharif (Balkh Province, Afghanistan) following restoration work. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, staff of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan, the city’s mayor Abdul Rahman Himat, the Head of the Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry’s representative office in Balkh, Mawlawi Aminullah Sadiq, religious figures, teachers and cultural activists. The restoration of the monument was carried out on the initiative of the Chairman of the ‘Akyol’ socio-cultural organisation, Haji Mohammad Hashim Wali Zada, with financial support from Turkmen living in Afghanistan. The speakers noted the significance of Magtymguly Pyragy’s literary legacy for the Turkmen people and world culture, emphasising his role in nurturing the younger generation in the national spirit.
Turkmenistan and Armenia are strengthening their academic ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, a meeting took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rector Gulshat Yusupova and Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the development of inter-university cooperation and the exchange of experience in training specialists in international relations. The importance of building human resources for foreign policy was noted. Arsen Avagyan highlighted the dynamic nature of Turkmen-Armenian relations and his interest in Turkmenistan’s educational practices. The institute’s management presented the structure of the educational process and the role of the university in training diplomats. As part of the visit, the Ambassador visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in expanding academic ties.
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