At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N. Atagulyev reported on the performance of the ministries under its jurisdiction, sectoral agencies and the business sector for January–July 2026. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During the reporting period, the growth rate of trade turnover under the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations stood at 106.8 per cent compared with the same period last year. At the Ministry of the Textile Industry, production growth reached 105.4 per cent. At the enterprises of the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association, total revenue growth stood at 107.3 per cent. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 169 auctions, resulting in 17,898 contracts being registered. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry increased the volume of work completed to 119.4 per cent. Over the seven-month period, 14 exhibitions and 8 conferences were held. At the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the growth rate for agricultural and food production stood at 107.2 per cent, and for industrial goods at 107.1 per cent. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that work should continue on supplying markets and retail outlets with food and other goods, modernising the retail sector, developing private-sector production and improving the operations of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, reported on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, proposed by Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The resolution was adopted unanimously on 24 July during the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the importance of the adopted document and congratulated those present at the meeting on this occasion. During the meeting, Rashid Meredov presented proposals for implementing the initiative. In particular, it is proposed to draw up a National Action Plan for 2026–2028 and to establish an Interdepartmental Working Commission to coordinate the preparation of events. The plan provides for the organisation of political, diplomatic, scientific, educational, cultural and informational events in Turkmenistan and abroad. It is also proposed to draw up a National Concept on ‘International Law and the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan’ for distribution amongst UN member states. Between 2026 and 2028, it is planned to hold regional and international forums on issues of international law, with the participation of national and foreign experts. Educational programmes, the development of teaching materials and digital resources, as well as competitions for young people and awareness-raising events, are also envisaged. It is proposed to establish the Ashgabat International Platform on ‘International Law’ at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Furthermore, a high-level World Forum on International Law is planned to be held in Ashgabat in 2028 under the auspices of the UN. The Head of State approved the proposals put forward and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to carry out the necessary work.
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August 2026, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov reported on the performance of the oil and gas sector for January–July. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During this period, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ fulfilled 108.7 per cent of its oil production target and 105.5 per cent of its oil refining target. Petrol production stood at 121.6 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 113.5 per cent, polypropylene at 100.2 per cent, lubricating oils at 103 per cent, and liquefied gas at 122.6 per cent. Production of natural and associated gas reached 108.1 per cent. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan instructed that efforts to increase oil and gas production, develop hydrocarbon fields and steadily expand the production capacity of enterprises in the sector should continue.
Turkmenistan’s GDP growth rate for January–July 2026 stood at 6.3 per cent. The country’s macroeconomic indicators were presented by Deputy Prime Minister H. Geldimyradov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 1 August 2026, according to the news agency TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that during the reporting period, growth in the industrial sector stood at 2.6 per cent, in construction at 6.7 per cent, in transport and communications at 10.3 per cent, in trade at 8.5 per cent, in agriculture at 4.1 per cent, and in the services sector at 8.4 per cent. Compared with the same period last year, output increased by 10.4 per cent. Retail turnover rose by 10.1 per cent, whilst foreign trade turnover increased by 9 per cent. Revenue targets for the State Budget for the seven-month period were met at 101.1 per cent, whilst expenditure targets were met at 97.3 per cent. Wages, pensions, state benefits and student grants were paid in full and on time. Capital investment from all sources of funding increased by 4.7 per cent compared with the same period last year. Information was also presented on the implementation of the National Rural Programme and the construction of various types of facilities. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan emphasised the need to further improve the functioning of the economic, financial and banking sectors, and to maintain sustainable GDP growth rates and the development of economic sectors.
In The Hague, during a visit by a Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, T. Atahallyev, meetings were held with Joost Flamand, Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Frans Prinsen, Director of the Office of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed preparations for international events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmenistan’s national equestrian traditions, which are to take place on 4–6 September 2026 at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the province of Limburg. T. Atahallyev presented the programme of events, their objectives and international significance, and invited the Dutch side to take part in the forthcoming events. The Dutch representatives expressed their support for the initiative and their willingness to assist in organising the events. Issues relating to the participation of official representatives and further coordination between the parties were also discussed. During the meetings, views were exchanged on the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, including political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
Between January and July of this year, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan adopted 7 laws and 12 resolutions. This was announced by the Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 1 August, according to the news agency TDH. Among the documents adopted is the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On the Establishment of the Commemorative Medal of Turkmenistan ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’ (To Participants in the Ceremonial Military Parade Marking the 35th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence). D. Gulmanova noted that during the reporting period, amendments and additions had also been made to existing legislation in the areas of the protection of citizens’ rights, industrial safety, accounting and financial reporting, the licensing of certain types of activities, road transport, environmental protection, the conservation of aquatic biological resources and migration policy. As part of the preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis is working in collaboration with the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, the Office of the Halk Maslahaty, the Cabinet of Ministers, the administrations of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, and the velayats. Over the past seven months, the Mejlis has accepted seven letters of credence from Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign countries. It has also held 25 meetings with representatives of foreign parliaments, diplomatic missions and international organisations. Members of the Mejlis and its specialists took part in 82 seminars organised jointly with ministries, departments and international organisations, and undertook 16 overseas trips to exchange experience in the field of legislation. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of further strengthening the country’s legal framework and improving the legislative process in line with modern requirements.
Lake Garakol, situated within the ‘Magtymguly’ Dayhan Association in the Shabat etrap of the Dashoguz velayat, is home to a large number of different bird species throughout the year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In March and June 2026, experts from the ‘Gaplaňgyr’ State Nature Reserve carried out bird surveys. Among the species recorded were the whooper swan, the common shelduck, the wigeon, the red-headed diver, the magpie, various species of gulls, herons, ducks and other birds. During the surveys, ecologists also spotted greater flamingos. Local herders reported that these birds have been visiting the lake for several years. The observations confirmed that flamingos are indeed among the inhabitants of Garakol. This species is listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book. In July, experts noted an increase in the number and diversity of birds along the lake’s shores. Little terns, great cormorants, meadow pipits, as well as birds with chicks, were recorded. Ecologists emphasised the importance of further studying the Garakol natural complex and raising local residents’ awareness of environmental protection.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the unanimous adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’. This was reported by the TDH news agency. The message of congratulations noted that the adoption of the document served as confirmation of international support for Turkmenistan’s initiatives to strengthen peace, security and the role of international law. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised that Turkmenistan regards cooperation with the UN as one of the priorities of its foreign policy. Over the years of its membership in the Organisation, the country has sponsored more than 30 resolutions aimed at developing international cooperation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It was also noted that the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law received the support of 78 states, which co-sponsored the resolution. The message of congratulations states that Turkmenistan will continue its work to strengthen the international legal system and implement measures in preparation for the Year of International Law. Hero Arkadag wished President Serdar Berdimuhamedov every success in his efforts to strengthen peace and trust and international cooperation.
The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his condolences to the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, which resulted in loss of life and injuries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. On behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, and on his own behalf, the Head of State expressed his support for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished those affected a speedy recovery.
Turkmenistan’s transport and logistics sector is becoming one of the key drivers of economic development. The country is developing modern transport routes as part of the revival of the Great Silk Road. This is reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Innovative solutions are being introduced in the sector, road safety is being improved and the logistics infrastructure is being upgraded. Major projects, including the construction of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway, international airports in Kerki and Jebel, and the development of seaports and railway hubs, are expanding the country’s capacity to participate in international transport corridors. An efficient transport system promotes industrial development, speeds up the delivery of goods to domestic and foreign markets, and supports regional economic growth. JSC ‘Transport and Logistics Centre of Turkmenistan’ plays a key role in this regard, with its activities focused on improving the efficiency of transit transport and optimising logistics processes. The development of modern and safe transport infrastructure is one of the key factors in Turkmenistan’s integration into the global transport system. Ashgabat International Airport, as a major multimodal complex, facilitates the growth of passenger and freight traffic, contributing to the further development of civil aviation and related sectors.
Ten school students from Turkmenistan will take part in the iWISE (International World Innovative Student Exhibition) international creative competition, which will be held at the University of Surrey in London from 2 to 7 August. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. Participants from various countries will present projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), robotics, English and the arts. The Turkmen team is accompanied by Myrat Sahetgulyev, a computer science teacher at the 1st Specialised Educational Complex in Arkadag, and Gochmyrat Bayramov, a history teacher at Specialised Secondary School No. 97 with an in-depth language programme in Ashgabat. The country will be represented at the competition by pupils from specialised schools in Ashgabat and Arkadag. In February 2026, they performed successfully at the iWISE GLOBAL FINAL 2026 international robotics Olympiad in Dubai.
On 31 July in Astana, Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, took part in the third meeting of senior officials of the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Cooperation Forum. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed preparations for the forthcoming ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit, including the draft final document. In his address, Ahmet Gurbanov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to developing multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Forum and emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership between the states of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. It was noted that the ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ Summit and Business Summit would contribute to the expansion of business contacts, the implementation of joint projects and the development of cooperation in industry, energy, transport and logistics, digital technologies, agriculture and other sectors. On the same day, Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Chung Eui-hae, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Korea. The parties reaffirmed their interest in the further development of the Turkmen-Korean partnership and discussed preparations for the upcoming ‘Central Asia – Republic of Korea’ Summit, noting the important role of high-level contacts in the development of bilateral relations.