News
Representatives from Turkmenistan studied border management practices in Bari
19.09.2026The 42nd training seminar on border management for senior officials, organised by the OSCE Border Management Staff College (BMSC), took place in Bari (Italy). This was reported by the press office of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives from a number of foreign states and international organisations, including the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. The programme was designed to enhance the professional skills of senior officials, examine international standards for integrated border management, and explore methodologies for strategic planning, risk assessment and crisis management. Participants discussed issues relating to inter-agency cooperation, the modernisation of control procedures and the application of global best practices in the field of migration and border security. The participation of representatives from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan in international conferences and forums on migration issues reflects the country’s growing international cooperation in this field.
Turkmenistan and Sungkyunkwan University have signed a memorandum of cooperation
19.09.2026In the Republic of Korea, as part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a meeting took place between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, and the President of Sungkyunkwan University, Yoo Ji-beom. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed strengthening their partnership in the field of education and the implementation of joint initiatives. The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Sungkyunkwan University during the visit laid the legal foundation for the development of inter-university ties. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the field of digital technologies and expanding access to information. It was noted that young people and students from Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea take part in international competitions, conferences and exhibitions. The parties proposed integrating Sungkyunkwan University’s 600-year-old academic traditions with fields of science such as artificial intelligence, new energy and modern engineering. This involves launching long-term projects, expanding academic exchanges and intensifying joint scientific activities.
Turkmenistan and Korea are expanding their cooperation in the fields of education and innovation
18.09.2026As part of the official visit to the Republic of Korea by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a meeting took place between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Global Innovation Research, Kim Kyo-shik. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of education, science and innovation. Particular attention was paid to the modernisation of the education system, digital technologies and the development of young people’s scientific and creative potential. Vocational and technical education could become one area of cooperation. In particular, the parties considered the possibility of studying the Korean experience and providing further training for teachers. As part of the visit, a ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan and the Global Innovation Research Organisation (Republic of Korea)’ was signed. The document provides for cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and innovation, the exchange of expertise and the implementation of joint projects. The participants also discussed the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as the organisation of expert meetings and round-table discussions on the future needs of the labour market and the training of specialists for high-tech sectors. Particular attention was paid to academic mobility and the possible establishment of joint grant and internship programmes for master’s students, doctoral candidates and early-career researchers. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their cooperation and expanding the exchange of expertise.
Ashgabat has proposed developing the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative
18.09.2026During his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit. In his speech, the Head of State outlined the priorities for further cooperation, paying particular attention to the technological modernisation of the urban environment, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the ‘Smart Cities Diplomacy’ initiative, aimed at developing digital infrastructure and coordinating relevant research between the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea. Particular attention was paid to the creation of sustainable urban models, the exchange of experience in the field of digitalisation, and the joint implementation of scientific and technical solutions. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Ashgabat’s readiness to participate actively in this framework and to promote the development of an equal partnership.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing an Institute to support innovative ideas from young people
18.09.2026As part of his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit, presenting initiatives to develop cooperation in the fields of science and education. The Head of State emphasised the importance of supporting young people and integrating the education systems of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the proposals were joint dual-degree programmes, academic competitions and themed contests to improve digital literacy among young people, international scientific conferences, and the expansion of research and project activities for young scientists. The President of Turkmenistan also proposed establishing an Institute to support the development and implementation of innovative ideas from young people. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the activities of the ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum serve the long-term interests of the participating countries and contribute to the development of mechanisms for international integration.
The President of Turkmenistan has received a message of congratulations from Hero Arkadag
18.09.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on his successful state visit to the Republic of Korea, his award of an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science from Sungkyunkwan University, and the presentation of an Honorary Medal and a special certificate from the Korea International Trade Association. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The message of congratulations noted that the visit had helped to take Turkmen-Korean cooperation to a new level. High-level negotiations in Seoul, the signing of documents, the Turkmen-Korean Business Forum and participation in the ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit were key events of the visit. Hero Arkadag highlighted the development of cooperation between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The statement noted the participation of South Korean companies in industrial projects in Turkmenistan and the prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of the ‘green’ economy, ‘smart’ cities and artificial intelligence. Special mention was made of Serdar Berdimuhamedov being awarded an ‘Honorary Doctorate in Political Science by Sungkyunkwan University. The message of congratulations also mentions the presentation to the Head of State of an Honorary Medal and a special certificate from the Korea International Trade Association for his contribution to the development of friendly relations, mutual trust and economic cooperation between the two countries. In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished the President of Turkmenistan good health, a long life and success in his future efforts to strengthen international relations.
The UN in Turkmenistan was the first in the world to apply the G-PESTLE methodology
18.09.2026The UN Country Team in Turkmenistan was the first among the organisation’s missions worldwide to trial the G-PESTLE strategic forecasting methodology, developed by UN Women. This was reported by the IIC. A training session was held in Ashgabat, attended by representatives of UN agencies and international experts. Participants studied approaches to analysing future trends and making decisions, taking into account the principles of gender equality and inclusivity. The methodology enables the assessment of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental changes and their impact on various population groups, including women, young people and people with disabilities. During the practical sessions, participants examined the consequences of climate change, water scarcity, labour market transformation and the development of digital technologies. The next stage will be the creation of a G-PESTLE checklist. It is planned to be used when updating the UN’s country analysis, monitoring trends and developing joint programmes in Turkmenistan.
An exhibition showcasing economic achievements has opened in Turkmenistan
18.09.2026An exhibition showcasing economic achievements has opened in Turkmenistan to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. This year’s event is being held under the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, reports IIC of Turkmenistan. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of greeting to the participants and guests of the exhibition. In his address, he highlighted the importance of the exhibition in showcasing the development of the national economy, based on modern technologies, innovation and industrialisation. The Head of State highlighted the implementation of state programmes aimed at diversifying the economy, developing the agricultural sector, expanding production capacity and digitising various sectors. The exhibition showcases the results of the country’s socio-economic development, as well as promising projects aimed at further improving the quality of life for the population. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the country’s commitment to a course of peace, progress and harmonious development, and wished the exhibition participants every success in their work.
The C5+1 seminar on digital technologies has concluded in Ashgabat
18.09.2026A two-day ‘C5+1’ seminar in Ashgabat, focusing on artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cyber security and information and communications infrastructure, has come to a close. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event, held with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, brought together representatives of government bodies from Central Asian countries and the USA, as well as international companies and experts. Participants discussed the implementation of digital solutions, enhancing the resilience and security of networks, and the protection of critical information infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the application of artificial intelligence, the development of satellite communications, radio spectrum management and the establishment of data centres. During the seminar, the delegations exchanged experiences, explored opportunities for attracting investment in technology projects and discussed further areas of cooperation.
Turkmenistan is developing a spiritual and educational environment in the city of Arkadag
18.09.2026The construction of the mosque in the city of Arkadag is one of the most notable projects in the emerging architectural and spiritual landscape of the new city. The scale of the project, its location and the development of educational infrastructure in the vicinity mean that the future mosque can be viewed not only as a religious building, but also as part of a broader process of shaping the urban environment. The mosque, designed to accommodate 30,000 people, has been named ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’. The decision on the name has been registered by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the established procedure. The madrasah located nearby is an equally important component. It is intended to provide facilities for teaching, staff accommodation and student accommodation and leisure. The areas of study and the content of the educational programmes are also being considered. The design of the madrasah provides for the use of modern equipment and the incorporation of international best practice in the field of Islamic education. This combination of religious and educational spaces is significant for the very character of the new city. The city of Arkadag continues to take shape as a comprehensive urban environment, where public, cultural, educational and spiritual facilities are integrated into a single architectural concept. Furthermore, particular attention is being paid to combining modern architectural solutions and cutting-edge technologies with the traditions of national architecture. This principle takes on special significance for the future mosque: the building must blend harmoniously into the city’s architectural ensemble, whilst preserving the characteristic elements of religious and national architecture. The progress of construction and the development of the city of Arkadag are regularly reviewed during working visits by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During these working visits, Hero Arkadag familiarises himself with the pace of project implementation, architectural solutions and the plans drawn up for new facilities. In addition, Turkmenistan is also carrying out a project to build a mosque in Fizuli, Azerbaijan, which is being constructed as a gift to the brotherly people. Its construction is also ongoing. The mosque in Fizuli has a capacity of 500 people and is being built on a site covering more than one hectare. The construction of the mosque has become one of the specific projects linking the architectural development of the two states. Thus, from the overall urban development plan to specific solutions regarding architecture, urban improvements and educational infrastructure, the city of Arkadag continues to take shape as a unified space in which the future mosque is set to occupy a prominent place.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea are set to expand their cooperation in the field of education
17.09.2026As part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, met with the Director of the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea, Hwang Jeong Geun. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, scientific and information activities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Particular attention was paid to the interest shown by Turkmen youth in studying the Korean language and culture. During the meeting, proposals were put forward to expand academic cooperation and provide lecturers and students at Turkmen universities with access to the library’s digital and bibliographic resources. The organisation of a mutual book exchange, including academic publications, electronic databases and audiovisual materials, was also discussed. It is expected that this cooperation will enable the Turkmen side to gain access to materials on Korean law and public administration. In turn, South Korean researchers will be able to broaden their opportunities to study the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to implement the agreements reached in practice.
A training course on environmental journalism for the media was held in Ashgabat
17.09.2026A two-day training session for representatives of the national media on covering environmental issues was held at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by staff from state media, television and leading online media platforms. The Head of the OSCE Centre, Ambassador William Leaf, delivered a welcome address, noting that the modern security ecosystem is directly linked to the state of the environment and the public’s access to reliable information. Participants studied a practical guide to environmental journalism published by UNESCO and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. Under the guidance of expert Angelina Davydova, they discussed international trends and developed media projects in small groups. A separate section of the programme was devoted to the application of artificial intelligence in newsroom work, the ethical aspects of its use and countering misinformation. Media trainer Marat Sadykov and AI implementation expert Batyr Rejepov introduced the journalists to the tools Gemini Notebook, ChatGPT and Typeless, which enable the processing of large data sets, the transcription of audio recordings and the structuring of content. The experts emphasised that artificial intelligence can only act as an assistant, whilst the responsibility for fact-checking, analysis and writing style remains with the journalist.
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