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The President of Turkmenistan signed a strategy for the development of scientific and medical diplomacy
09.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Mammedov presented a report on the activities of subordinate structures for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In the field of education, reforms to introduce modern teaching methods continued. Schoolchildren and students participated in international Olympiads and online competitions, winning medals. Meetings, conferences and seminars with foreign universities and diplomatic representatives were held using digital platforms. In science, quotas for the admission of postgraduate students and interns for 2026 have been approved, and research is being conducted in key areas of science and technology. Advanced treatment methods are being introduced in medicine, and children in need of care are receiving assistance from the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. An international seminar on diplomacy in global health was held. In the field of sports, the country's athletes won 23 medals at international competitions. Scientific and practical conferences and events were held, dedicated to the motto of the year ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation, strengthening the educational infrastructure, improving the quality of teaching, and developing science, sports and medicine. The Head of State signed a Decree ‘On the Approval of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific and Medical Diplomacy in Turkmenistan for 2026-2052,’ under which the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to implement the document.
The cultural sphere of Turkmenistan began the year with large-scale events
09.03.2026On 6 March, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bahar Seyidova reported on the work of the supervised sector for January–February 2026 during a government meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. During this period, the country held events dedicated to the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’, the 35th anniversary of independence, and national holidays. Cinemas in the capital organised film screenings and concerts, while cultural institutions – libraries, museums and historical and cultural complexes – continued to provide services to the public. An inter-state competition of television films from CIS countries, ‘The Flight of the Horse: Strength and Grace’, was also announced. The Oguzhan ‘Türkmenfilm’ Association held a series of events in Ashgabat and the velayats, including a week of films made during the years of independence. A forum was held in the capital to mark the presentation of two special awards by the TURKSOY organisation to the film ‘The Composer’. In addition, a joint Turkmen-Chinese cultural festival, ‘Melodies of the Silk Road — A Joyful Spring Festival’, was held. The archaeological exhibition ‘Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan’ continues in Rome. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further development of the cultural sphere, the introduction of digital technologies in the work of libraries and museums, and instructed to continue work on the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the preparation of upcoming cultural events.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan strengthens interparliamentary ties with Belgium
09.03.2026On 6 March, in Brussels, as part of the 9th meeting of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan with the European Parliament, a meeting was held between the interparliamentary friendship groups of Turkmenistan and Belgium. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the main directions of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the principles of positive neutrality, peacefulness, trust, equality and humanism, were presented, as well as information on the structure of the national parliament and the work being done to provide legislative support for large-scale socio-economic reforms being implemented in various areas. During the exchange of views on the prospects for bilateral cooperation, it was noted that there is significant potential for expanding effective relations in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The importance of interparliamentary cooperation in the development of intergovernmental cooperation was also emphasised, and it was noted that interparliamentary friendship groups established on a bilateral basis play a significant role in increasing its effectiveness. In addition, it was emphasised that inter-parliamentary friendship groups contribute to the exchange of experience in legislative activities between the two countries, familiarisation with opportunities for cooperation in various fields, and the strengthening of friendly relations between the peoples.
Turkmenistan reports growth in trade and industry
09.03.2026On 6 March, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev presented a report on the results of the work of the ministries, departments and business sector under his supervision for January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The turnover of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations increased by 106.7% compared to the same period last year, and production increased by 100.5%. In the textile industry, production increased to 100.7%, with cotton yarn production at 100%, fabrics at 100.1% and leather goods at 103.7%. The production plan of the ‘Türkmenhaly’ State Association was fulfilled by 104.5%. During the reporting period, the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange held 50 trading sessions, during which 4,876 contracts were registered. The growth rate of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's activities over two months was 128.1%; during this period, one exhibition and five conferences were organised. According to the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the growth in agricultural and food production reached 107.5%, and industrial production – 106.3%. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to fully utilise the capacity of commercial enterprises, monitor the supply of goods to markets, improve the quality of textile products, and develop the private sector.
A delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held interparliamentary talks in Brussels
09.03.2026A meeting between a delegation from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Belgian parliamentarians took place in Brussels. The negotiations were led by Belgian Senator and Member of the Flemish Parliament Stephanie D'Hose, who previously served as President of the Senate. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation was led by Maksat Kulyev, Chairman of the Committee of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan on International and Interparliamentary Relations. It included deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation. The Turkmen delegation emphasised the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and presented information on socio-economic reforms in Turkmenistan, the activities of the Mejlis and the country's priorities in the areas of sustainable development, digitalisation, industry, ecology and international cooperation. Turkmenistan's interest in expanding interparliamentary and trade and economic ties with European partners was also noted. Belgian parliamentarians expressed interest in issues of Turkmenistan's economic development, key sectors of the economy and prospects for bilateral cooperation. They supported the strengthening of trade relations between Belgium and Turkmenistan and spoke in favour of developing direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue interparliamentary dialogue. The Belgian parliamentary delegation received an invitation to visit Turkmenistan for the next round of consultations.
Over 200 women in Turkmenistan have been awarded the title of ‘Ene mähri’
08.03.2026In Ashgabat and the administrative centres of the velayats, solemn ceremonies were held to honour women who have given birth to and raised eight or more children. According to a Decree by the President of Turkmenistan, they have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene mähri’, reports IIC. This year, more than two hundred women in the country have received this award. Holders of this honorary title are entitled to a number of social benefits, including additional payments and a 30% increase in monthly child care allowances and pensions. As the award winners note, state support and improved housing conditions are an important recognition of their work and contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation. The celebrations are timed to coincide with International Women's Day. According to tradition, cash gifts on behalf of the Head of State are presented to all women in the country — employees of enterprises and organisations, pensioners, as well as students, schoolgirls and kindergarten pupils. In honour of the holiday, concerts and festive events with the participation of creative groups are held in all velayats and the capital.
Families with many children were given flats in the capital of Turkmenistan
08.03.2026In Ashgabat, on the eve of International Women's Day, 14 large families received keys to new flats. The new residents are mothers who have been awarded the honorary title of ‘Ene Mähri’, according to IIC. Each of these women has raised eight or more children. The presentation of the keys was part of the festivities dedicated to 8 March. The flats are located in modern residential buildings equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable life. The new residents have spacious rooms, well-equipped kitchens and developed infrastructure at their disposal. The courtyards of the buildings feature children's playgrounds and recreation areas. It is noted that support for large families and respect for women as mothers remain important areas of state social policy. For fourteen Ashgabat families, this day was a special event and a symbol of the fulfilment of their dream of owning their own home.
In Turkmenistan, the plan for industry and construction has been exceeded in two months
08.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Baymyrat Annamammedov presented a report on the work of subordinate departments for January–February 2026. The fulfilment of the production and work plan amounted to 129.7%, according to the state news agency TDH. The figures for the various departments were as follows: Ministry of Construction and Architecture – 105.6%, Ministry of Industry and Construction – 122.3%, Ministry of Energy – 109.4%. For other organisations: Ministry of Road Transport – 108.6%, State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ — 158%, Ashgabat city administration — 119.4%. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for effective development of industrial sectors, strict compliance with construction standards and full utilisation of chemical enterprises.
Turkmenistan participates in new ADB project to modernise border crossing points
08.03.2026Turkmenistan has been included in the list of countries for which the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering providing technical support as part of the project ‘Development of New Generation Border Crossing Points for CAREC Countries’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan.’ Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are also participating in the project. The total amount of technical assistance is approximately US$1 million, with funding planned from the ADB's Special Fund. The support is aimed at modernising border crossing points using innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions. The CAREC programme provides for the preparation of projects under the BUILD mechanism for small projects along transport corridors. The main objectives of the assistance include developing documentation for three priority points, creating a methodology for implementing projects through BUILD, and training specialists from participating countries in the operation and management of border crossing points. In addition, Turkmenistan will participate in an ADB regional project on transboundary cooperation in the field of water resources and improving the resilience of water management to climate change.
Oil and gas production and processing volumes increased in Turkmenistan
08.03.2026On 6 March, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Guvanch Agajanov presented a report on efforts to increase production and expand oil and gas exports in January–February of this year. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ exceeded its oil production plan by 107.3%. The oil refining plan at the oil refinery was fulfilled by 107.1%, petrol production by 122.7%, diesel fuel by 106.4%, lubricating oils – by 102.7%, liquefied gas – by 119.7%, and natural and associated gas production – by 106.7%. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for comprehensive measures to increase hydrocarbon production and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the effective use of production capacities and the exploration of new reserves.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held a telephone conversation
07.03.2026On 7 March, a telephone conversation took place between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasising that international disputes should be resolved exclusively by peaceful and diplomatic means based on international law. The interlocutors also exchanged views on humanitarian issues in the region.
The Iranian Cultural Centre in Turkmenistan organised an exhibition and iftar
07.03.2026An exhibition of the Quran dedicated to the memory of the country's spiritual leader, Shahid Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, has opened at the Cultural Centre of the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan. In addition, an iftar was organised to mark the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Orient news agency. The event was attended by the Mufti of Turkmenistan, students of Persian, artists and journalists. The Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi delivered welcoming speeches. The exhibition featured translations of the Quran into 14 languages and works of art that attracted the interest of visitors. All guests left messages in the book of condolences opened at the centre.
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