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Turkmenistan is preparing to launch a vocational training centre in partnership with China
01.04.2026An online meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas to discuss the project to establish the ‘Luban Workshop’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The project is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 18 October 2024 in Xi’an between the International University of Oil and Gas, Xi’an Petroleum University, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, China National Petroleum Corporation and the China Education Association for International Exchange. The participants discussed the progress of the agreements. It was noted that the centre will serve as a platform for training oil and gas industry specialists in accordance with international standards. Preparatory work is proceeding according to the approved plan. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation in the educational and scientific spheres.
A ceremony was held in Ashgabat to mark the handover of dates from Saudi Arabia
01.04.2026On 31 March, a ceremony to hand over a humanitarian consignment took place at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ashgabat. This was reported by IIC. On behalf of the King of Saudi Arabia, 25 tonnes of dates from the 1447 Hijri harvest were handed over to the Government of Turkmenistan. The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s programme to support friendly nations. The event was attended by Amer bin Ali Al-Shehri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Turkmenistan, and Osman bin Rashid Al-Rashid, representative of the King Salman Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Relief. The participants noted the importance of such initiatives for the development of humanitarian cooperation and inter-state dialogue. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the assistance provided, emphasising its symbolic significance for strengthening friendly ties. The support provided by Saudi Arabia to Turkmen citizens undertaking the Hajj and Umrah was also noted.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Austria organised a cultural presentation
01.04.2026On 30 March, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Austria, in collaboration with ‘Diplomatic Society Magazine’, held a celebratory event to mark the spring holidays and the 2026 motto: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by around 300 people, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, as well as business and public circles in Austria. During the presentation, attention was drawn to the meaning of the motto of the year. It was noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ reflects the continuity of traditions, the creative potential of the people, and Turkmenistan’s commitment to the principles of peace and international cooperation. Guests were treated to an exhibition dedicated to the country’s culture. The display included books on Ahal-Teke horses and Turkmen Alabay dogs, as well as carpets and national costumes. The event was accompanied by a tasting of Turkmen cuisine and a performance of folk music on the dutar.
Negotiations were held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan with the Turkish Ambassador
01.04.2026On 31 March, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Ahmet Gurbanov, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ahmet Demirok, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. The high level of political and diplomatic relations was noted. The positive experience of cooperation on international platforms and the readiness to support each other’s initiatives were emphasised. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the energy and transport sectors. The prospects for cultural and humanitarian ties were discussed, including the organisation of joint events and participation in international forums. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership.
A meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Council was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
01.04.2026The fifth meeting of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan on 31 March. This was reported by AsmanNews. The meeting was attended by members of the government, representatives of ministries and departments, as well as UN agencies in the country. Issues relating to the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. The document is being drafted on a systematic basis with the participation of relevant bodies. Turkmenistan previously submitted reviews in 2019 and 2023. Cooperation projects with UN agencies were also discussed, including a programme to reduce methane emissions and initiatives in the field of youth policy. It was noted that Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge and is implementing measures to reduce emissions. Particular attention was paid to the draft ‘Youth, Peace and Security’ programme for 2026–2028, aimed at expanding youth participation in the international agenda. Following the meeting, a number of documents for 2026 were signed, including work plans with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund in the fields of the economy, health and education.
The President of Turkmenistan has approved the holding of competitions to mark the Horse Festival
01.04.2026The President of Turkmenistan has signed a Decree on organising events to mark the National Day of the Turkmen Horse. According to the document, an international beauty contest for Ahal-Teke horses will take place in Ashgabat on 25 April 2026, reports TDH. Creative competitions are also planned for artists, sculptors, carpet weavers, jewellers, photographers, designers, cameramen and publishing professionals. They will present works dedicated to the image of Ahal-Teke horses in fine and decorative arts, print media, photography and television. The document also approves the composition of the competition jury.
Turkmenistan and the EU are moving towards a deeper partnership
31.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held meetings with Iulia Matei, Permanent Representative of Romania to the EU, and Petros Mavrikios, Ambassador of Cyprus to the EU Political Committee. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The diplomats discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations, reaffirming their interest in strengthening them. Particular attention was paid to the role of Turkmenistan and Central Asia as a consistent bridge between Europe and Asia and to the development of intercontinental ties. The parties emphasised the importance of intensifying cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, as well as improving the legal and institutional framework for more effective interaction. Following the meetings, the diplomats agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen contacts at ambassadorial level to further develop a mutually beneficial partnership.
Turkmenistan hosted an international online competition in theoretical mechanics
31.03.2026The 5th Open International Online Olympiad in Theoretical Mechanics was held at the State Energy Institute in Turkmenistan. Students from 121 higher education institutions across 17 countries took part in the competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Olympiad, which took place from 24 to 28 March in Turkmen, Russian and English, included individual and team rounds on statics, kinematics and dynamics. The format allowed participants to demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and their ability to work in a digital environment. Teams from Turkmenistan, China and Russia took the leading positions. Special mention was made of students from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology — Yegor Potapov, Ivan Lukin and Andrey Bakhvalov — as well as the Turkmen participants Musa Artykov, Govshut Orazgeldiyev, Dursunjemal Atayeva and Mahriban Azadova. The closing ceremony and the awarding of prizes to the winners reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a centre for international educational cooperation and a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among future specialists from different countries.
A Turkmen lecturer is teaching a course at Beijing Foreign Studies University
31.03.2026On 1 March, Didar Amanmuhammedov, a lecturer in the Department of Turkmen Language at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, began teaching students at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation between Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, he is delivering classes in the Turkmen language to students on the ‘Russian + Turkmen’ programme. In addition, the lecturer is giving introductory lectures on Turkmenistan. Didar Amanmuhammedov’s programme of work in China will run until 29 July.
Turkmenistan and the Philippines are strengthening their diplomatic ties
31.03.2026On 27 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Philippines (resident in Tokyo), held a meeting with Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including the preparation of high-level visits, the expansion of the legal framework, and cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to issues of energy security and cooperation on international platforms. The diplomats also agreed to jointly work on Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish a ‘Central Asia + ASEAN’ dialogue format in connection with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Turkmenistan and Mongolia held an online meeting of their parliamentary friendship groups
31.03.2026On 30 March, the first online meeting was held between the parliamentary friendship groups established under the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Great State Khural of Mongolia. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the development of bilateral relations, including in the inter-parliamentary sphere, due to the efforts of the leadership of both countries. The Turkmen side presented the main directions of the country’s foreign policy, the structure of the national parliament and legislative work to ensure socio-economic reforms. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for expanding cooperation, exchanging experience in legislative activities and strengthening contacts between relevant committees, young and female parliamentarians, as well as business representatives. The Turkmen side also outlined upcoming events during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS, including a women’s dialogue, a session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, and meetings on demographic issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan held negotiations with the Georgian Minister of Economy
31.03.2026On 30 March, during an official visit, Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, met with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, paying particular attention to the development of trade, the attraction of mutual investment and the implementation of joint projects. Separate mention was made of the interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, the digital economy and innovation. The interlocutors also emphasised the important role of the Turkmen-Georgian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in developing systematic dialogue and implementing the agreements reached. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain a constructive dialogue.
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