News
Turkmenistan strengthens ties with UAE in gas industry
04.02.2026On 3 February, in Dubai, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, met with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, Director General of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current projects and promising areas of cooperation in the gas industry. An agreement was reached on regular meetings and consultations to strengthen the partnership and ensure consistent interaction in priority areas.
Turkmenistan delegation represented at World Governments Summit
04.02.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, is participating in the World Governments Summit, which is being held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event involves more than 30 Heads of State and Government, about 150 government delegations and about 6,000 participants, including representatives of international companies, financial organisations and educational institutions. The agenda includes global governance, the development of artificial intelligence, climate change and the coordination of economic policy. Speaking at the session ‘The Future of Global Alliances,’ Rashid Meredov outlined Turkmenistan's approach to solving key international problems. He noted that the country advocates coordinated cooperation based on international law, mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all states. It is reported that Turkmenistan has initiated a proposal to declare 2028 the ‘Year of International Law’ and supports multilateral formats of interaction. Among the proposed mechanisms are strengthening public administration, exchanging expert knowledge and developing economic interconnectivity. The summit continues.
Turkmenistan strengthened its healthcare and sports systems in 2025
04.02.2026The year 2025, declared the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ and marked by the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, was marked by the implementation of state programmes in the fields of healthcare and sport. This was reported by TDH. As President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated in his New Year's Address, caring for the health of citizens remains a priority of state policy. This work covers disease prevention, the development of medical infrastructure and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The basis of the healthcare system remains the ‘Saglyk’ State Programme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In July, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry held a scientific and practical conference entitled ‘The “Saglyk” (Health) State Programme in Action’. Similar events were held in all regions of the country. As part of the programme, the material and technical base is being modernised, legislation is being updated, and World Health Organisation recommendations are being implemented. In recent years, a network of modern medical, diagnostic, scientific and clinical centres has been created. In 2025, the International Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the International Scientific and Clinical Centre for Physiology received the ‘German Design Award Winner 2025’ certificates from the German Design Council (Rat für Formgebung). In January 2025, the President signed a Decree on the construction of the first phase of the ‘Arkadag’ medical cluster as part of the National Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022-2052. To train personnel, specialists are sent on internships abroad and participate in video conferences with foreign clinics. The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship continued to finance operations and purchase equipment. On 9 December 2025, a branch of the Fund was opened in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in the field of healthcare. In 2025, the 12th Turkmen-German Healthcare Forum was held. An international exhibition and scientific conference entitled ‘Healthcare, Education and Sports in the Renaissance Era of a New Epoch of a Powerful State’ was also held, which included congresses of cardiologists, physiologists and oncologists. At the same time, work was carried out to develop sport and mass physical culture. Sports grounds are provided in educational and residential complexes. Every year, a mass bike ride is held to mark World Bicycle Day, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan. In 2025, the national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’ won the Grand Prize at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Turkmen athletes won 28 medals at the International Goresh (national wrestling) and Alysh (belt wrestling) Wrestling Tournament in Ashgabat. In May 2025, the ‘Arkadag’ football team became the champion of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League. On 15 December, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in an award ceremony for young athletes and winners of international Olympiads. The results of 2025 showed the expansion of infrastructure, growth in international contacts and the development of mass sports and healthcare in the country.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Sri Lanka on Independence Day
04.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Anura Kumara Dissanayake good health and prosperity, and the people of Sri Lanka peace, stability and further development. It should be added that Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1996.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan attended a reception hosted by the Flemish government
03.02.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, attended a New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps organised by the Flemish government on behalf of Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the Embassy's social media page. During the event, the Ambassador congratulated Julie Bynens, Secretary General of the Flemish government, on the New Year and held brief negotiations with her. The reception provided a platform for informal communication between representatives of the diplomatic corps. It should be noted that Sapar Palvanov is also the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Turkmenistan and Romania discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
03.02.2026On 3 February, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Ion Naval, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. They talked about intensifying contacts at the highest levels, both in the format of bilateral visits and at multilateral platforms. The importance of regular political consultations and meetings of the Turkmen-Romanian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was also emphasised. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest in further developing cooperation between Turkmenistan and Romania.
Turkmenistan develops rare element extraction using ion exchange technologies
03.02.2026Interest in ion exchange technologies, which enable valuable elements to be effectively extracted from natural waters and brines, is growing in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. These methods are widely used around the world and are considered promising for the development of the country's export-oriented chemical industry. Ion exchange technologies use sorbents that selectively capture the desired elements. They are used to purify water and gases, as well as to obtain rare and scattered elements of high purity. The extraction of iodine from mineralised groundwater is of particular importance for Turkmenistan. This method allows up to 99% of iodine to be extracted, is environmentally friendly and allows for the repeated use of sorbents. In addition to iodine, the technology is suitable for obtaining bromine, magnesium, lithium, strontium, boron and other elements from oil and gas field waters, which are considered a strategic resource for high-tech industries. The main sources of raw materials are the Garabogaz Bay and the groundwater of the Balkan velayat. Their comprehensive processing can ensure the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's chemical industry and strengthen the country's position in the global market for rare elements.
The Halach spinning mill has increased its production and supply of yarn
03.02.2026The cotton spinning factory in the Halach etrap became one of the enterprises in the Lebap velayat that successfully completed the previous year. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The volume of production amounted to 113.51 million manats, with the annual plan fulfilled by 140.2%. Production and sales figures exceeded the results of previous years. Over the year, 2,963 tonnes of yarn were sold, of which 2,226 tonnes were exported to Uzbekistan and Russia for a total of 72.309 million manats. Part of the production was supplied to domestic textile enterprises. The factory, equipped with modern equipment, produces five types of yarn, with yarn No. 17/1 being the most popular.
A modern oil products terminal has been launched in Turkmenistan
03.02.2026The modern port of Turkmenbashi plays an important role in the development of Turkmenistan's oil refining industry and in ensuring the operation of the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex (TOPC). This was reported by the IIC. As part of the expansion of the production and logistics infrastructure at the TOPC, a new berth No. 3 of the ‘Kenar’ enterprise has been put into operation, designed to load more than 2 million tonnes and unload more than 1 million tonnes of oil and oil products per year. The berth is equipped with modern automated equipment, safety and fire protection systems, which increases the reliability and efficiency of operations and contributes to the diversification of the country's export routes. The launch of the facility creates additional conditions for increasing processing volumes and consistent supplies of petroleum products to domestic and foreign markets.
Turkmen scientists receive awards at WYSII 2026 competition in Bangkok
03.02.2026Representatives of the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan received awards at the World Youth STEM Invention Innovation (WYSII 2026), which took place in Bangkok from 29 January to 2 February. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Patma Igdyrova, a trainee lecturer at the Department of Chemical Technology, spoke at the INTERACT 2026 International Conference, which was held as part of the forum. She presented her research on ‘Investigating Methods of Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Mandragora.’ As a result of her work, she was awarded two prizes: a Special Award in the field of education and training, the INTERACT 2026 Innovative Educator Award, and the Gold Award for the scientific significance of her research. Mekan Rozmyradov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, also took part in the competition. His scientific supervisor was Patma Igdyrova. His work on ‘Innovative Methods for Producing an Environmentally Friendly, Highly Sustainable Keratin-based Bioplastic Material’ was included in the TOP 5 in the ‘Ecology and Sustainable Development’ category. For this project, Mekan Rozmyradov was awarded a gold medal, the highest Special Award of the competition. The WYSII World Competition brings together young scientists and inventors from different countries every year and is considered one of the largest international platforms in the field of science and innovation.
Hero Arkadag: The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be a celebration for the people
03.02.2026On 11 February, Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat as part of the AFC Champions League 2. During his visit to the stadium, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noted the importance of the upcoming match for the country and called for its organisation to be carried out at a high level, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘A victory for the team will be a great achievement, a draw will be a matter of chance, and any outcome of the match will be a celebration for the people and an incentive for new victories,’ said the Hero Arkadag. He also stressed the need for thorough preparation of the infrastructure, spectator stands and playing field, as well as coordination of all structures involved. The stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, was built for the 5th Asian Games in 2017 and will host its first official football match. The management must also ensure high-quality coverage of the event, an advertising campaign and conditions for the work of foreign media. The round of 16 matches will be played in two stages: the first in Ashgabat on 11 February and the second leg on 18 February in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the tie will play in the quarter-finals against the winner of the Al-Zawraa (Iraq) vs Al Wasl (UAE) tie.
Ashgabat celebrates the success of the ‘Galkynysh’ group at the Monte Carlo festival
03.02.2026The State Circus of Turkmenistan hosted a solemn celebration of the ‘Galkynysh’ national equestrian games group of the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. The event was dedicated to the international recognition of the group at the 48th Monte Carlo Circus Festival, according to Turkmenportal, citing the ‘Watan’ news programme. The Turkmen delegation participated as guests of honour at the prestigious forum in the Principality of Monaco. At the end of the festival, ‘Galkynysh’ received international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of world circus art. The celebrations began in the city of Arkadag and continued in Ashgabat. In the building of the International Horse Breeding Association and the International Association of Turkmen Alabay dogs, the artists viewed the museum exhibits, after which they proceeded in a festive procession to the State Circus. At the solemn meeting, issues related to the popularisation of Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses and the expansion of their international fame were discussed. The ceremony became an important event of the year, which in Turkmenistan is held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
