News
The Embassy of Turkmenistan presented an exhibition at the Peace Festival in Beijing
23.09.2026On 21 September, the 13th Peace Festival took place in Beijing, organised by the China International Peace Foundation and the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, with the participation of the embassies of Turkmenistan and Austria in China. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of international organisations, academics and other guests. Participants discussed issues relating to conflict resolution, global governance, intercultural dialogue, cultural exchanges, youth development and international humanitarian aid. The festival has been held annually since 2014. In 2022, the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation became an official partner of UNESCO. During the event, Turkmenistan’s role in promoting peace and trust in cooperation with the UN was highlighted. Particular attention was paid to the resolution ‘Year of International Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan and adopted by the UN General Assembly by consensus. The document was adopted on 24 July 2026 without a vote. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China presented a photographic exhibition dedicated to the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, as well as an exhibition of folk and applied arts. The exhibition featured works by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, including publications in Chinese, photographs of modern life in the country and its cultural and historical sites, national jewellery and other items reflecting Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage.
The Ahal-Teke horse preserves Turkmenistan’s centuries-old heritage
23.09.2026The Ahal-Teke horse is one of the symbols of Turkmenistan and holds a special place in the country’s history and culture. Over the centuries, Turkmen horse breeders have passed down their knowledge of breeding the breed, shaping its characteristic qualities — endurance, speed and the ability to withstand a hot climate, reports the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The breed’s name is linked to the Ahal oasis and the Teke tribe. In traditional Turkmen culture, the horse was not only a means of transport, but also a faithful companion and helper to man. The history of the Ahal-Teke is intertwined with numerous legends. According to one widely held theory, the breed’s ancestor may have been Bucephalus — Alexander the Great’s horse, which in ancient times was associated with the Nisean racehorses. Sources also mention the special regard held for these horses in Ancient China, where they were called ‘heavenly horses’. The traditional training system played an important role in the development of the breed. Turkmen grooms paid great attention to individual care and close contact with the horse. This contributed to the development of the behavioural traits and character of the Ahal-Teke. The Ahal-Teke horse occupies a prominent place in the culture of Turkmenistan. Its image is reflected in literature, art and architecture, and is also featured on the country’s national emblems. The horse is perceived as a symbol of strength, freedom, dignity and the pursuit of goals. The year 2026 is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. Throughout the year, the country is hosting equestrian competitions, exhibitions, international meetings, and scientific and cultural events dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses. One such international event was the World Equestrian Championship and Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, held in early September at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event was attended by over 100 representatives of the breed from 25 countries. International events featuring Ahal-Teke horses contribute to the development of cooperation in the field of horse breeding and the promotion of the breed outside Turkmenistan. The traditions of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and the art of horse decoration have also gained international cultural recognition. The preservation and development of Ahal-Teke horse breeding remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s state policy. The country is creating favourable conditions for the keeping and breeding of racehorses, and hosts national and international events. Particular attention is paid to passing on the traditions of horse grooming to the younger generation and to expanding international cooperation. Today, the Ahal-Teke racehorse represents Turkmenistan at international competitions, exhibitions and other events, maintaining the link between the country’s modern equestrian sector and the centuries-old traditions of Turkmen horse breeding.
A Turkmen specialist has been appointed as match commissioner for an AFC Champions League 2
23.09.2026Oraz Mammetgeldiyev, Chairman of the International Relations Department of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, acted as match commissioner for an AFC Champions League 2 fixture. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The match between Iraq’s ‘Al-Shorta’ and Oman’s ‘Al-Seeb’ took place on 16 September in Baghdad. The home side secured a 1–0 victory. As an official representative of the Asian Football Confederation, the Turkmen specialist was responsible for organising the match, overseeing the refereeing team and ensuring compliance with the tournament regulations. The appointment marked yet another international experience for this representative of Turkmen football.
Turkmen sambo athletes won four medals at the World Cup in Dushanbe
22.09.2026The Turkmenistan national team won four medals at the Sambo World Cup, which took place on 19–20 September in Dushanbe. The team secured one gold and three bronze medals, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. On the first day of the competition, Sapar Dovletov took bronze in sport sambo in the under-71kg weight category. On 20 September, Ykbal Saparova won gold in women’s sport sambo in the under-50kg category. In combat sambo, bronze medals were won by Abdulla Nazargeldiyev (under 88 kg) and Malikberdi Begiyev (over 98 kg). Athletes from more than 15 countries took part in the competition.
GaffneyCline highlighted new opportunities in Turkmenistan’s energy sector
22.09.2026Turkmenistan’s energy sector is entering a new phase of development against the backdrop of gas production projects, exploration in the Caspian Sea, infrastructure development and the introduction of modern technologies. This is stated in an article by Steven Travers, regional director of the international energy consultancy GaffneyCline, published by the Turkmen Energy Forum, as reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the company’s assessment, the energy sector’s focus is shifting towards the practical implementation of projects, infrastructure development, expanding market access and international cooperation. The development of the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field remains one of the key priorities. The fourth phase involves drilling new production wells and establishing infrastructure for gas processing. Exploration in the Caspian Sea is continuing. At the ‘Magtymguly’ field within Block 1, the A8 appraisal and production well demonstrated significant potential during testing. Promising areas in the region are being studied using geological and seismic surveys. Particular attention is being paid to the TAPI (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India) gas pipeline, with a design capacity of up to 33 billion cubic metres of gas per year. The project envisages the supply of Turkmen gas to South Asian markets. GaffneyCline notes that the development of the resource base and infrastructure creates opportunities for international operators, engineering and service companies, technology developers and consultants. GaffneyCline is a technical partner of the Turkmen Energy Forum and co-organiser of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, which will take place in Ashgabat on 21–23 October. The company believes that the further development of the energy sector will be linked to the implementation of projects, the adoption of modern technologies and the expansion of international cooperation.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent his condolences to the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai
22.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his condolences to the Vice-President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, following the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of State expressed his sincere sympathy and support to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his family, wishing them strength and patience at this difficult time.
Foreign leaders have sent birthday wishes to Serdar Berdimuhamedov
22.09.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has received birthday congratulations from Heads of State, heads of government and other foreign dignitaries. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Congratulatory messages were sent by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China; Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea; Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus; Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan; and Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation; Faisal bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani, a member of the ruling family of the State of Qatar; the Head of the Federal State Budgetary Institution ‘Y.A. Gagarin Research and Test Centre for Cosmonaut Training’, Commander of the Cosmonaut Corps, Oleg Kononenko, Hero of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, and Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. In their messages, they wished Serdar Berdimuhamedov good health, happiness, well-being and success in his state affairs, and Turkmenistan further development and prosperity.
Eight citizens of Turkmenistan have enrolled at Green University
22.09.2026On 18 September, a meeting was held at the project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan between the office director, Mergen Kepbanov, and young professionals and graduates who had been admitted to the Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change (Green University). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Following the selection process, eight Turkmen citizens were granted student visas and enrolled at the university. Four will continue their studies on master’s programmes, whilst another four will pursue bachelor’s degrees. The CAREC Project Office provided support to the applicants at every stage – from preparing documents to attending interviews. Mergen Kepbanov congratulated the prospective students and highlighted the importance of training specialists in the fields of ecology and climate. He also offered advice on academic development and participation in university life. The young professionals spoke about their plans and expectations for their studies.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania organised a football match
22.09.2026On 19 September 2026, a friendly football match featuring members of the diplomatic corps took place in Romania. The event was organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. The match was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence and the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, according to the IIC. Before the match, participants were briefed on Turkmenistan’s achievements since independence in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The country’s foreign policy, based on the principles of neutrality and equal cooperation, was also outlined. Particular attention was paid to state policy on the development of mass sport and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Representatives of the diplomatic corps took part in the friendly match. The match took place in an atmosphere of sporting rivalry, mutual respect and teamwork. The organisers highlighted the importance of such events for the development of sports diplomacy and the strengthening of international partnerships.
Turkmenistan and the EU discussed the development of cooperation
22.09.2026On 21 September 2026, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Myahri Byashimova and the European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the state of relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union, as well as the prospects for their further development and current areas of cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as to issues on the international and regional agenda. During the meeting, organisational matters relating to the holding of joint events and further cooperation at the bilateral level and in international forums were also discussed. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and to maintain regular contacts on issues of mutual interest.
The Turkmen startup ‘SalamMotion’ has reached the final of the Startup World Cup 2026
21.09.2026On 19 September, the national selection round for the Startup World Cup 2026 international competition took place in Ashgabat. The winner was the start-up ‘SalamMotion’, which has developed a service for creating video content using artificial intelligence. The project will represent Turkmenistan in the competition’s final in the US, according to the Orient news agency. The final will take place on 4–6 November in San Francisco. More than 200 teams from around the world will take part. The top prize is US$1 million. A total of 51 applications were submitted to the competition. Twelve projects made it through to the pitch battle, where they presented their ideas in English. The judging panel included representatives from the BIZANGEL Business Angels Club and the US Embassy in Turkmenistan. The audience choice award went to the start-up ‘Elkitap’. Over 150 guests attended the event, including Kristin Hawkins, the US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Turkmenistan. Bill Reichert, Chief Evangelist at Startup World Cup and partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures, delivered a video message. The national selection round was organised by StartUp Academy, Turkmenistan’s first private start-up accelerator and the official regional partner of the Pegasus Tech Ventures fund.
The customs service’s digital solutions were showcased at an exhibition in Ashgabat
21.09.2026From 17 to 19 September 2026, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan hosted an Exhibition of Economic Achievements to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan presented a technology pavilion at the exhibition, dedicated to the modernisation of the customs system and the digitalisation of trade procedures, according to the press office of the agency. The exhibition featured the ‘Single Window’ electronic system and the electronic GPS monitoring system for transit freight. Interactive panels demonstrated how these technologies can speed up customs procedures, enhance the transparency of controls and enable real-time tracking of consignments. Joint projects with international partners were also showcased. The pavilion featured a consultation area where visitors could obtain information on customs clearance and business support services. The exhibition highlighted the State Customs Service’s activities aimed at developing the country’s transit and logistics potential and facilitating international trade.
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