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The Uzbek Ambassador highlighted the prospects for expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan
29.07.2026Ashgabat is hosting a Turkmen-Uzbek business forum aimed at further developing economic cooperation between the two countries. Representatives of government bodies and leading companies from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the event, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Ravshanbek Alimov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, commended the high standard of organisation of the meeting and emphasised the business community’s interest in expanding trade, investment ties and industrial cooperation. The diplomat paid particular attention to cooperation in the production of building materials, highlighting the prospects for establishing joint ventures, exchanging technology and increasing mutual supplies. According to R. Alimov, Uzbekistan is open to expanding industrial cooperation with Turkmenistan and implementing new joint projects. He also expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for their support in developing bilateral relations.
Representatives from Turkmenistan are taking part in a youth camp in Beijing
29.07.2026The international summer camp ‘Youth Development for a Shared Future 2026’ is taking place in Beijing, bringing together students, young professionals and leaders of youth organisations from 15 countries. More than 80 representatives from Turkmenistan are taking part in the event, according to the Orient news agency. Representatives of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the camp’s importance for the development of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. The programme includes educational sessions, training workshops, creative competitions and joint projects aimed at strengthening friendly ties and exchanging experiences.
Turkmenistan is preparing a nomination for the inclusion of Koytendag on the UNESCO World Heritage List
29.07.2026The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan hosted an international meeting on the preparation of a nomination dossier for the inclusion of the transboundary natural site ‘Karst, Canyons and Caves of Koytendag’ on the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the online publication Arzuw News. Experts from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Germany, the USA and Slovakia discussed the findings of the spring 2026 expeditions to the Koytendag and Surkhan nature reserves. Particular attention was paid to the dinosaur footprints in Koytendag, noting their unique state of preservation and scientific value. The site was included on the UNESCO Tentative List in September 2025. The next step will be to submit a request for a preliminary assessment, following which, subject to a positive recommendation from the IUCN, a final nomination dossier will be prepared.
A delegation from Turkmenistan attended a meeting of the WTO Working Group in Geneva
28.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part as an observer in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, which took place on 27–28 July at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The delegation comprised representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. During the meeting, the Turkmen experts familiarised themselves with the mechanisms of the WTO accession negotiation process, examined issues relating to market access for goods and services, the harmonisation of legislation, and interaction with the organisation’s Secretariat. The experience gained will be used to strengthen Turkmenistan’s negotiating capacity and to prepare for the next stages of its own WTO accession process.
The President of Turkmenistan received Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development
28.07.2026On 27 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd, who had arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The guest conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. She also noted the importance of the recent visit by the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan to Iran and the negotiations held with the country’s leadership during that visit. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the kind words and expressed his confidence that the meetings and negotiations during the Iranian delegation’s visit would contribute to the further strengthening of Turkmen-Iranian relations. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan, whilst adhering to its status of permanent neutrality, is developing cooperation with countries around the world and international organisations. It was emphasised that relations with Iran are based on centuries-old historical and cultural ties, and on the principles of mutual respect and trust. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The interlocutors noted the important role of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in implementing the agreements reached at the highest level and in identifying new areas for partnership. Following the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd expressed their confidence in the further development of constructive cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran and exchanged best wishes.
The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatics Centre in Ashgabat has been refurbished
28.07.2026The ‘Türkmenbaşy’ Olympic Aquatic Centre in Ashgabat has reopened following a major refurbishment and now fully complies with international standards. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. The complex, which has a capacity of 1,741 spectators, is designed for training and hosting competitions in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. It comprises a 50-metre swimming pool, a diving pool, a water park, a children’s pool, sports halls and gyms, as well as supporting facilities. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and underwater video recording systems for hosting competitions.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the development of cooperation with Iran
28.07.2026On 27 July 2026, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the co-chairs of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation — Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations, primarily the UN. During the meeting, the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect, which form the basis of relations between the two countries, were emphasised. The Iranian side congratulated Turkmenistan on the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution ‘International Year of Law, 2028’, initiated by Turkmenistan. Iran was one of the co-sponsors of the document. Issues relating to trade and economic cooperation were also discussed, as was the further strengthening of the role of the Turkmen-Iranian Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ashgabat showcased its achievements at an international forum in Samarkand
28.07.2026On 24 July, the First International Forum of Sister Cities took place in Samarkand, attended by Rahym Gandymov, the governor of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum brought together representatives of government bodies, local authorities, international organisations and the expert community from nearly 30 countries. Participants discussed the development of inter-municipal cooperation, the improvement of urban governance, the introduction of modern technologies and the exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban development. Speaking at the forum, the governor of Ashgabat emphasised the importance of interaction between cities for expanding international cooperation, implementing joint initiatives and exchanging experience in the fields of digitalisation, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the twinning ties between Ashgabat and Tashkent, including the implementation of joint cultural and humanitarian projects. The forum also featured a presentation marking the 145th anniversary of Ashgabat. Participants were shown the achievements of Turkmenistan’s capital in the fields of urban planning, architecture, urban improvement and sustainable development. Following the forum, it was noted that the event would contribute to the further development of inter-municipal cooperation, the strengthening of partnerships and the implementation of new joint projects.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed prospects for cooperation
28.07.2026On 27 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who had arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in the further development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. The Minister conveyed greetings and best wishes from Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. The Head of State sent his own greetings to the President of Iran and expressed his confidence that Farzaneh Sadegh Malvagerd’s visit would contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran are developing cooperation both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations, including the UN. Particular attention is being paid to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, the fuel and energy sector, transport, construction and agriculture, as well as to expanding contacts between representatives of the private sector. The interlocutors emphasised the importance of the Joint Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as a key mechanism for developing the partnership and implementing the agreements reached at the highest level. Following the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed their confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Iranian relations and exchanged best wishes.
The city of Arkadag is developing a concept for a smart and eco-friendly city
28.07.2026The city of Arkadag is developing as Turkmenistan’s first ‘smart’ and eco-friendly city, combining modern technology, national traditions and a comfortable urban environment. This is reported by AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’. The names of the city’s streets, avenues and institutions are linked to the history and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The Ahal-Teke horses hold a special place in the city’s identity. One of the main avenues is named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, whilst the city’s landmarks include the ‘Taýçanak’ monument and a sculpture of the horse ‘Akhan’, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The city is home to the ‘Arkadag’ television channel and newspaper, whilst the local football club has achieved sporting success in a short space of time. The city is being developed in accordance with the principles of ‘smart’ infrastructure and sustainable development. Electric buses and electric cars operate on the routes, ‘smart’ bus stops have been installed, and park areas, public gardens and fountain complexes have been created. A healthcare cluster has been established in Arkadag, comprising a multi-specialist hospital, a Centre for Maternal and Child Health, a children’s health and rehabilitation centre, an emergency medical services centre and health centres. The city is also home to the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. Arkadag’s development is continuing under the ‘Concept for the Development of the City of Arkadag for 2024–2052’. As part of the second phase of construction, new residential complexes, social facilities and industrial enterprises are scheduled to be commissioned by 2027. Particular attention is being paid to creating opportunities for young people: the city has modern schools and nurseries, and new jobs are being created for young professionals.
Uzbekistan is ready to expand its trade and investment partnership with Turkmenistan
28.07.2026At the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum in Ashgabat, Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, expressed the Uzbek side’s readiness to expand partnership in the trade, economic and investment spheres. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The diplomat highlighted the development of bilateral relations within the framework of the strategic partnership. More than 20 leading companies from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are taking part in the forum. Industrial cooperation, including the production of construction and finishing materials, has been identified as one of the priority areas for collaboration. Participants at the event are exploring the possibility of concluding new contracts in the fields of steel structures, paints and varnishes, sandwich panels, plastic and rubber products, as well as ferrous metallurgy products.
Turkmen students are taking part in an international educational project
28.07.2026Students from three higher education institutions in Turkmenistan are taking part in the international summer programme ‘UNITEN Energy Adventure Summer Camp’, which is being held in Malaysia from 25 July to 2 August. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is being held at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) in Kajang and brings together students from various countries. Turkmenistan is represented by students from the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, participants are attending lectures and practical sessions on energy, innovative technologies and scientific research, as well as taking part in cultural events. The trip has been organised under cooperation agreements between Turkmen universities and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). The programme aims to promote academic mobility, facilitate the exchange of experience, strengthen international educational ties and enable students to acquire new professional knowledge and practical skills.
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