News
Ashgabat discussed measures to protect the Caspian Sea from plastic waste
02.08.2026A round-table discussion was held in Ashgabat on preventing pollution of the Caspian Sea by waste, including plastic litter. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, UNDP, UNEP and the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention as part of a regional project to combat marine litter and plastic in the Caspian Sea. The project is funded by the Russian Federation. Participants discussed improving the national waste management system, developing modern environmental standards and enhancing data collection and monitoring methods. Particular attention was paid to the creation of a waste monitoring programme. This will enable the identification of the main sources of pollution and the assessment of the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. The initiative also aims to reduce land-based waste inputs into the Caspian Sea, develop regional cooperation and implement the principles of a circular economy.
Turkmenistan and Turkey are expanding their cooperation in the field of migration
01.08.2026On 29 July, a working meeting was held at the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan with representatives of the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey. This was reported by AsmanNews. The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in the field of migration. The participants considered possible areas for joint work and emphasised the importance of regular contacts between the relevant authorities. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organisations. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue mutually beneficial cooperation and to strengthen their partnership ties.
The Turkmenistan Ambassador met with the management of the Bank of Japan
01.08.2026A. Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, held a meeting with K. Amakawa, the new Managing Director of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the prospects for developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and JBIC, as well as the implementation of joint projects. JBIC is involved in financing major economic projects in Turkmenistan in which Japanese companies are participating, including the GTG-1 gas-to-petrol plant in the Ahal velayat, the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant, the Charjew State Power Station and other facilities. Issues relating to the implementation of projects in the circular economy sector with JBIC’s participation were also discussed.
Turkmenistan and the UAE discussed ways to develop cooperation in the field of public administration
01.08.2026On 30 July 2026, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates, held a meeting with Mohamed AlSharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit Organisation. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed the outcomes of the 2026 World Governments Summit, the participation of the Turkmen delegation in the event, and initiatives put forward by the Turkmen side that have been endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. During the negotiations, the prospects for expanding cooperation in the areas of neutrality, sustainable development, transport and connectivity were examined. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of expertise in the field of public administration, as well as the participation of Turkmen specialists in UAE programmes on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The OSCE held a seminar on sustainable transport infrastructure in Ashgabat
01.08.2026An OSCE seminar on the development of sustainable transport infrastructure capable of withstanding natural disasters and the effects of climate change took place in Ashgabat on 29–30 July. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The event was organised by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat to share international expertise in the field of safe and sustainable transport development, as well as to strengthen regional economic integration. During the seminar, an international expert presented approaches to transport infrastructure planning and examined its role in ensuring safety, developing trade links and fostering sustainable economic growth. Participants discussed engineering solutions for adapting to climate change and measures to mitigate the risks of natural disasters in the Central Asian context. ‘Investment in sustainable and reliable transport infrastructure contributes to sustainable economic development, promotes trade and strengthens transport connectivity,’ noted Rune Kastberg, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. The event also addressed issues relating to public governance of the transport sector, the financing of infrastructure projects, digital transformation, innovation and the development of international transport corridors within the context of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035). A separate session was devoted to investments in enhancing the resilience of transport infrastructure, as well as economic mechanisms for emergency preparedness and recovery. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Economy, Construction and Architecture, Road Transport, Rail Transport and Defence, the State Agency ‘Türkmenhowaýollary’, higher education institutions, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, and the transport and logistics sector.
The Japanese Embassy in Ashgabat has launched a grant project competition
01.08.2026The Japanese Embassy in Ashgabat has announced that it is now accepting applications for the competitive selection process for grant projects under the Fund in Commemoration of the 1970 World Expo (JEC Fund). This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Applications will be accepted from 1 to 30 September 2026. The programme’s budget for the 2027 financial year will be approximately 135 million yen, with a maximum grant of up to 5 million yen per project. National governments, local authorities and non-governmental organisations are eligible to participate in the competition. Private individuals and commercial entities are not eligible to participate. Support is provided to projects in the fields of international cultural cooperation, education, academic activities and scientific research, aimed at fostering mutual understanding between countries. The JEC Fund was established using proceeds from the 1970 Osaka World Expo and supports initiatives in the fields of cultural exchange and scientific partnership.
OGT 2026 will showcase new approaches to the digitalisation of the energy sector
01.08.2026Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and modern technologies will be among the key themes of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, which will take place in Ashgabat on 21–23 October 2026. This has been reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The provisional programme includes a specialised session entitled ‘Technology, Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in the Energy Sector’. Participants will discuss the application of artificial intelligence, digital fields, digital twins, automation, cyber security, data analysis, the optimisation of production assets and smart energy infrastructure. The focus will also be on the use of digital technologies for interpreting geological data, production forecasting, optimising drilling, equipment maintenance and improving environmental performance, including the monitoring of methane emissions. Technological developments in the sector will be examined during the Strategic Plenary Session and a special panel discussion featuring executives from leading international energy companies. In addition, the OGT Future Energy Leaders’ Forum will focus on the development of digital skills, the application of artificial intelligence and workforce development for the energy sector. The conference will bring together representatives from government bodies, national energy companies, international organisations, technology firms and industry experts to discuss digital transformation and technological cooperation in the global energy sector.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Prime Minister of Thailand
01.08.2026During his visit to Bangkok, M. Mashalov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, attended a state reception to mark the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event took place at the Government House of the Kingdom. As part of the programme, the diplomat held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and extended an invitation to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan at a time convenient to both sides. The Ambassador also conveyed congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations and the prospects for developing cooperation. The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his gratitude for the congratulations and the invitation, noting his readiness to further strengthen the partnership.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Switzerland
01.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has sent his congratulations to the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, on Swiss National Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message, the Head of State wished Guy Parmelin good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Switzerland peace, continued progress and prosperity.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented the summit agenda at ‘Awaza’
01.08.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, outlining the main areas of preparation for the summit, which is to be held on 8 October 2026 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of State thanked the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, for organising the meeting and conveyed greetings to the participants from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The President of Turkmenistan also welcomed the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noting that the decision for Azerbaijan to join the format had been taken at a consultative meeting in Tashkent in 2025. Serdar Berdimuhamedov reported that Turkmenistan had sent the participating states a draft agenda for the forthcoming summit in Awaza. The document covers five key areas: issues of peace, security and political and diplomatic cooperation; the development of trade and economic cooperation, energy, and transport and logistics corridors; joint measures in the fields of the environment, climate change and the restoration of the Aral Sea; and the expansion of cultural, educational, scientific and youth exchanges. The President of Turkmenistan noted that, during the run-up to and throughout the summit in Awaza, international forums and cultural events would also take place. Concluding his address, he expressed his gratitude to the Heads of State for their constructive approach to cooperation.
Turkmenistan took part in an informal consultative meeting in Kyrgyzstan
01.08.2026On 31 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, paid a working visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, where he took part in an informal consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The summit took place at the Congress Centre of the State Residence of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the city of Cholpon-Ata. The President of Turkmenistan was welcomed by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov. Opening the meeting, Sadyr Zhaparov thanked the participants for their visit and noted that Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the ‘Central Asia–Azerbaijan’ format in 2026. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic also expressed his gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the invitation to take part in the forthcoming summit at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, thanked Turkmenistan for acceding to the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century. In his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the Kyrgyz side for their hospitality and the high standard of organisation of the meeting, and also conveyed greetings to the participants from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The Head of State noted that on 8 October 2026, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will take place in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. According to him, Turkmenistan has already sent the participating states a draft agenda covering issues of regional security, political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, energy, transport, the environment, water resources, the restoration of the Aral Sea, as well as the development of cultural, educational and scientific ties. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that, as part of the preparations for the summit in Awaza, a number of international forums and cultural events are also planned. Following the meeting, the Heads of State signed the Cholpon-Ata Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, relations of friendship, good neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust. Following the conclusion of the summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, together with the other heads of state, took part in the opening ceremony of the ‘Baku’ hotel in the village of Kara-Oy in the Issyk-Kul region and toured the new hotel complex. Upon completion of the working visit programme, the President of Turkmenistan returned to Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan will host the first ‘Central Asia–Azerbaijan’ summit
01.08.2026The first ‘Central Asia–Azerbaijan’ summit will take place on 8 October in Turkmenistan. This was announced by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, at an informal meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz Republic, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The Head of Turkmenistan stated that the draft agenda for the summit had been prepared and sent to all participants in this new cooperation format. The document covers issues of regional and international security, the development of political and diplomatic cooperation, and collaboration in the energy, transport and logistics sectors. The parties also plan to discuss joint environmental protection activities, adaptation to climate change, the rational use of water resources, measures to save the Aral Sea, as well as the development of cultural, humanitarian, educational and youth exchanges.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
