News
A school student from Turkmenistan has won gold at the ‘XCEL Global’ robotics competition
28.07.2026Kurambay Matsapayev from the ‘Line-Storm’ team represented Turkmenistan at the ‘XCEL Global’ international robotics competition in Australia and took first place. This was reported by the Orient news agency. For the ‘ImdatBot’ centre, an official partner of ‘Makeblock’, this victory marked the continuation of a successful year. In May, its students took part in the ‘Robotek Grand Tournament Astana 2026’, where Leysan Jumageldiyeva was awarded a free place to study at the Kazakh-British Technical University, whilst Tigran Melkumyan and Nuryagdy Bayryev won the ‘Innovative Technologies’ category. In 2025, students from the centre also won medals at the ‘XCEL’ Olympiad in Los Angeles. This series of international achievements was the result of systematic training at the centre, which has been teaching children using the ‘STEAM’ methodology since 2019 and developing robotics teams to take part in global competitions.
The Lebap velayat has increased the volume of passenger and freight transport
28.07.2026In the Lebap velayat, passenger traffic across all modes of transport reached 2,952.5 million passenger-kilometres in the first half of this year, significantly exceeding the figures for the same period last year. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. This growth is linked to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure: the construction of bridges across the Amu Darya, the opening of international airports in Turkmenabat and Kerki, and the commissioning of a new section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway. The modernisation of the ‘Lebapawtoulag’ fleet and the launch of a modern coach station in Turkmenabat have expanded bus routes and enabled the introduction of digital taxi services. The volume of freight transport also increased, reaching 3,991.1 million tonne-kilometres, exceeding last year’s figure by 72.5 million tonne-kilometres.
A Turkmen-Uzbek business forum has kicked off in the capital of Turkmenistan
28.07.2026The opening of the Turkmen-Uzbek Business Forum took place on 27 July in the conference hall of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, delivered a welcome address to the participants. Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, also took part in the opening ceremony. The forum will feature a thematic session dedicated to the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the construction and industrial sectors. During the discussions, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in the production of building materials and industrial equipment, will deliver presentations. Following the conclusion of the plenary and sector-specific parts of the programme, participants will hold bilateral negotiations. Meetings are scheduled between representatives of the two countries’ government bodies, as well as negotiations between representatives of the private sector from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The CIS will take stock of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship for the first half of the year
28.07.2026On 28 July, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS Member States will take place in Minsk. This was reported by the news agency Orient. One of the key topics of the meeting will be a review of the results of implementing the Concept for Turkmenistan’s CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and the corresponding Action Plan for the first half of the year. In addition, participants will discuss preparations for the meetings of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, which are to be held on 7 and 9 October in Turkmenistan, as well as issues of cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalisation, information and communication technologies, and healthcare.
Ashgabat emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability in the Caspian Sea
27.07.2026On 25 July, reports appeared in the foreign media concerning an attack on a vessel in the waters of the Caspian Sea. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this regard, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan stated that such actions were unacceptable, emphasising the need to uphold the principles of security and stability in the region. Turkmenistan, as one of the Caspian littoral states and a country with a status of permanent neutrality recognised by the United Nations, reiterated that the Caspian Sea must remain an area of peace, mutual respect, cooperation and good-neighbourly relations.
The State Stock Exchange of Turkmenistan has registered nine transactions totalling over 2.7 million dollars
27.07.2026Following the trading session held at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan last week, nine deals were concluded totalling more than 2.7 million US dollars. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The buyers of the products, who paid in foreign currency, were entrepreneurs from Turkey, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. They purchased cotton yarn, raw silk and cotton oil soapstock. On the domestic market, Turkmen entrepreneurs concluded deals to purchase cotton yarn and cotton fibre worth 78 million 93 thousand manats. It is noted that the results of the exchange trading indicate that business activity remains stable both in the foreign trade sector and on the country’s domestic market.
The results of the week’s developments and new diplomatic initiatives have been summarised
27.07.2026The past week in Turkmenistan was marked by a number of events relating to domestic development, international cooperation and the implementation of state programmes. This was reported by the news agency TDH. On 20 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting on the digital system, during which he reviewed the progress of agricultural work. The focus was on preparations for sowing wheat, the cultivation of cotton and rice fields in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, sugar beet crops in the Mary velayat, as well as preparations for the autumn planting of potatoes, vegetables and melons. Issues relating to adherence to construction deadlines for facilities scheduled for commissioning in the velayats as part of socio-economic programmes were also discussed. On the same day, the Head of State received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. The parties noted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN, including collaboration in the fields of sustainable development, the strengthening of peace and security, preventive diplomacy, energy, transport and environmental protection. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the continued implementation of programmes under the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030. The UN Resident Coordinator expressed her readiness to facilitate the further development of the partnership. On 24 July, Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via the digital platform. Participants discussed issues relating to the improvement of legislation, preparations for the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in Ashgabat, cooperation with foreign companies in the fields of subsoil use, seasonal agricultural work, energy supply and the construction of railway infrastructure. It was also announced at the meeting that, from 1 August, school supplies would go on sale in cities and districts across the country ahead of the new academic year. In addition, a programme of events for August was approved, dedicated to the 2026 motto and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. As part of efforts to promote sport, joint training camps are planned in Ashgabat for cyclists from the Turkmenistan national team and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club. Particular attention was paid to the preparation of Turkmenistan’s priority positions for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The document includes initiatives to strengthen peace and security, develop preventive diplomacy, sustainable transport, energy, the climate agenda and international cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States within the UN, and to hold consultations on the Strategy for Universal Peace. In addition, the country will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Sustainable Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, launch the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, and develop an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. There are also plans to continue work on supporting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, developing the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, and establishing new transport links across the Caspian Sea. Other areas of focus include the development of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue, support for youth initiatives, the organisation of an international forum in connection with the proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law, and Turkmenistan’s participation in the work of the UN Economic and Social Council for the period 2026–2028. On 24 July, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the conversation, the high level of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership and the prospects for its further expansion were highlighted. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed exploring joint projects, including the creation of an ‘Industrial and Technological Belt’, a transport and logistics centre on the border between the two countries, and a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. At a meeting of Turkmenistan’s National Commission for UNESCO, issues relating to further cooperation with the organisation were discussed. Materials have been submitted to UNESCO for the inclusion of three elements of national heritage on international and regional lists. In particular, it was proposed to include, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the traditions of folk medicine associated with endemic medicinal plants, and the art of making and wearing the ‘tahya’. Manuscripts devoted to the life and philosophy of Ibrahim Edhem have been nominated for the ‘Memory of the World’ programme. A meeting was also held of the Interdepartmental Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and set out further tasks. Admissions to the country’s higher and secondary vocational education institutions are currently underway. In 2026, more than 18,000 people will enrol as first-year students at universities. Compared with last year, the number of places has increased by 1,239 due to the introduction of new study programmes. Representatives of Turkmenistan were also awarded commemorative medals for their participation in the ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ song and music festival, held as part of the International Days of Friendship in the Republic of Korea. The week’s key events reflect Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to develop international cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties and implement national development programmes.
Turkmenistan will propose holding a forum on international law
27.07.2026Turkmenistan set out its key priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on 24 July at a government meeting chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The report was presented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Rashid Meredov. According to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’, international law has traditionally been one of the key areas of cooperation between Ashgabat and the UN. As part of its efforts in this area, the country is consistently promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of international law. These include a proposal to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. At the forthcoming session, Turkmenistan will also put forward an initiative to host an International Forum on its territory, where experts will discuss issues relating to international law, disarmament, neutrality, preventive diplomacy and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan is preparing for consultations on the ‘Stable Energy’ forum
27.07.2026Issues relating to national development and foreign policy took centre stage at a government meeting via digital communications, chaired by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on 24 July. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, reported on the country’s strategic priorities for the upcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. In particular, to put the resolution on sustainable energy infrastructure into practice, Turkmenistan will begin consultations on organising a high-level summit entitled ‘Stable Energy for All’.
A proposal will be made to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue within the framework of the UN
27.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, chaired a Cabinet meeting via video link, during which current issues of state affairs were discussed. During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the forthcoming 81st session of the UN General Assembly. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the key initiatives is the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue. This new multilateral platform is designed to promote climate initiatives and foster institutional international partnerships. Turkmenistan also intends to propose an initiative to strengthen the climate resilience of regions facing drought and water scarcity. Environmental security, climate change and the rational use of energy resources remain priority areas for Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies.
Turkmenistan and Libya discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation
27.07.2026On 24 July, Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, met with Mahmoud A. Hassan, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of Libya in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the further development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Libya, the intensification of trade and economic cooperation, and the expansion of business ties. The parties exchanged views on trade, investment, entrepreneurial activity and other priority areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening contacts between the business communities of the two countries and making effective use of new opportunities for cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to consistently develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest, to implement joint initiatives in the future and to strengthen trade and economic relations.
Turkmenistan secured a convincing victory over Iraq in the Davis Cup tournament
27.07.2026The men's tennis team from Turkmenistan beat the Iraqi team 3–0 at the Davis Cup zonal tournament in Colombo (Sri Lanka). This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The victory for the Turkmenistan team was secured by Resul Atayev, Ali Geldiyev, and the doubles pairing of Selim Chagylov and Ali Geldiyev, who won their doubles match. Despite the one-sided scoreline, the match lasted over five hours. Due to this victory, the Turkmenistan national team will continue their fight to retain their place in Group IV of the Asia-Oceania zone. In the decisive play-off match, the Turkmen tennis players will face the Northern Mariana Islands team. The winner will retain their place in Group IV, whilst the loser will be relegated to Group V.
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