News
Head of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan attends the World Cup opening ceremony
14.06.2026The head of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Guvanchmuhammed Ovekov, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the invitation of FIFA. The tournament kicked off on June 11 at the “Azteca” stadium with a match between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa, according to the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the opening ceremony, a colorful show featuring local and international artists was held. The highlight of the event was FIFA President Gianni Infantino appearing with the World Cup trophy. Before the match, flags of FIFA member countries were raised at the stadium, including the flag of Turkmenistan. The Turkmenistan national team failed to qualify for the final stage of the tournament, ending its campaign in the second round of the Asian qualifiers. The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will conclude on July 19. For the first time in history, 48 teams are participating in the tournament.
A Taekwondo tournament is taking place in the capital of Turkmenistan
14.06.2026The 22nd traditional Taekwondo tournament began in Ashgabat on June 13. It is organized by the National Taekwondo Center of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The competitions are being held at the Martial Arts Center in the Olympic Complex, according to the IIC. More than 110 athletes from Ashgabat and all five regions (velayats) of the country are taking part in the tournament, which will last until June 14. Medals are contested in individual and team standings across 25 weight categories among children, cadets, and juniors. The program includes kyorugi sparring events. At the opening ceremony, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae, delivered a speech. He emphasized the importance of Taekwondo in fostering discipline and respect, as well as the role of the tournament in strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries. The tournament has been held since 2010 and aims to improve the sporting skills of participants and strengthen Turkmen-Korean relations. Winners in the team standings and individual weight categories will be determined following the final matches on June 14.
Youth of Turkmenistan took part in an OSCE climate seminar
14.06.2026On 11–12 June, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted the seminar “Inclusive Engagement and Equal Participation in Climate Action,” organized within the framework of the OSCE project “Strengthening Cooperation on Climate Change, Good Environmental Governance and Environmental Security.” This was reported by the press service of the International Relations Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Participants of the event included students from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Medical University named after Myrat Garryyev, and the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction. The seminar focused on issues of climate security and the development of leadership and analytical skills among young people. International experts addressed the participants, while the practical component included the development and presentation of a Youth Resolution project on climate engagement.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia are preparing an agreement on cooperation in the gas sector
14.06.2026Malaysia and Turkmenistan plan to sign a long-term agreement on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector on June 19. This was announced by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, according to the online publication “Business Turkmenistan”. According to him, the agreement is aimed at strengthening energy supply chains and developing bilateral partnership. Malaysian authorities note that the country continues to diversify its energy sources and strengthen the resilience of the sector amid global challenges. Earlier, it was reported that the oil and gas company PETRONAS is considering participation in gas projects in Turkmenistan, and a Malaysian delegation is expected to visit the country in mid-June to discuss energy cooperation.
Fitch Ratings Affirms Stable Outlook on Turkmenistan’s Credit Rating
14.06.2026Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan (SBFEAT) at “BB-” with a Stable Outlook, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The bank’s rating is aligned with the country’s sovereign rating and reflects Turkmenistan’s resilient macroeconomic performance, low level of public debt, and the stability of its financial system. The bank plays a key role in financing priority projects in the oil and gas, chemical, transport, agriculture, and healthcare sectors. It also acts as the government’s agent for attracting external borrowings and managing international financing activities.
Turkmenistan Presented Its Climate Agenda at the UNFCCC SB64 Session in Germany
14.06.2026A delegation of Turkmenistan, headed by the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection, is participating in the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64), taking place in Bonn, Germany, from June 8 to 18. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the meetings, the country's representatives presented Turkmenistan’s national position on climate-related issues and provided updates on the implementation of its commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts to combat climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, introducing environmentally friendly technologies, and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. It was noted that work on the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) is being finalized in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Regional initiatives were also presented, including the establishment of a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia in Ashgabat. The delegation reported on the progress of preparations for the center’s launch and expressed readiness to expand cooperation with international partners. On the sidelines of the session, bilateral meetings were held with representatives of participating countries and international organizations, during which climate policy, technology implementation, and joint projects aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed. Turkmenistan’s participation in SB64 reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
“ASKIN & CO” Presents Hospital Digitalization Solutions to Turkmenistan
14.06.2026Austrian company ASKIN & CO GmbH has offered Turkmenistan solutions for the digitalization of healthcare institutions. This was announced by the company's CEO, Ralph Lugbauer, on the sidelines of the 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal. According to Lugbauer, the company is completing a project to digitalize the Archman Sanatorium and continues to work with medical institutions in the country’s velayats (regions). During the meeting, the parties also discussed new opportunities for developing healthcare management systems. Lugbauer highlighted the high professional level of Turkmen specialists and thanked the country’s leadership for its attention to healthcare development. The visit of the Austrian delegation to Ashgabat will continue until June 14.
Ashgabat and Tokyo Discuss New Areas of Partnership
14.06.2026A Turkmen delegation led by Ata Serdarov, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, paid a working visit to Japan from June 10 to 12. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the visit, meetings were held with representatives of the leadership of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, as well as members of parliament and officials from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations. Both sides noted the steady development of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation and emphasized the importance of high-level political dialogue, including the meetings held in Tokyo in 2025, which gave additional momentum to bilateral engagement. Special attention was paid to interparliamentary ties and the activities of friendship groups, as well as to the prospects for expanding contacts between the political parties of the two countries. The idea of establishing a direct party-to-party cooperation mechanism was also discussed. The parties further reviewed initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation, including the organization of the “Central Asia + Japan” Parliamentary Forum in Ashgabat in 2027, strengthening contacts between women parliamentarians, and expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas and chemical sectors. At the conclusion of the visit, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their multifaceted partnership.
Turkmenistan is preparing for the first meeting of the joint commission with Slovakia
13.06.2026On June 12, a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan considered issues related to preparations for the first meeting of the Turkmen–Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H. Geldimyradov delivered a report on this matter, according to the TDH news agency. As reported, work is underway to establish the commission and ensure organizational arrangements for its first meeting. During the upcoming meeting, it is planned to discuss the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Slovak Republic in trade and economic affairs, fuel and energy, construction, transport and communications, as well as information technology. The agenda also includes issues of cooperation in agriculture, ecology, healthcare, medical science, education, culture, sports, and tourism. A corresponding proposal was submitted for consideration by the head of state. After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow emphasized that Turkmenistan is consistently developing cooperation with European countries, including the Slovak Republic. He signed the prepared document and instructed the deputy prime minister to continue work in this direction.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan.
13.06.2026The visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Turkmenistan will take place as an official trip. Preparations for the upcoming visit were discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan held on June 12. According to the TDH news agency, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov reported on the progress of the organizational work. It was noted that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world is one of the key directions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s foreign policy. In this context, Turkmenistan continues to steadily expand its engagement with Asian states. Particular attention is given to relations with Malaysia. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 17, 1992. Malaysia is among the first countries to have supported Turkmenistan’s independence and its status of permanent neutrality. The legal framework of cooperation includes 43 intergovernmental, governmental, and interagency agreements. The importance of regular high-level visits was emphasized. In total, there have been nine such visits, including four visits by the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia and five visits by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia to Turkmenistan. The contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to the development of bilateral relations was also noted, including his visits to Malaysia in 2011 and 2016. Cooperation continues to develop today. Following the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Malaysia on December 18–19, 2024, bilateral relations have reached a new level. Regular contacts are maintained between governments and foreign ministries. Cooperation is also carried out within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In the trade and economic sphere, Malaysia remains a long-term partner of Turkmenistan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reported that preparations for the upcoming visit of the Malaysian delegation led by the Prime Minister have been completed. It was emphasized that the results of the visit will contribute to further strengthening and developing bilateral cooperation. The head of state noted the steady development of relations between Turkmenistan and Malaysia and instructed that proper preparations be ensured for the upcoming visit.
The Turkmen-Austrian Commission discussed economic cooperation in Ashgabat
13.06.2026On June 12, the 13th meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat. The event was attended by heads of relevant ministries and agencies of Turkmenistan and Austria, as well as representatives of business structures, the IIC reports. The parties discussed the development of bilateral economic relations and the increase of trade turnover. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of previously reached agreements and the introduction of Austrian experience in the field of digital economy into Turkmenistan’s industrial sector. During the talks, areas of further cooperation were considered, including tasks related to the digitalization of the economy and the expansion of industrial cooperation using innovative solutions. The Austrian side proposed holding training seminars for Turkmen specialists in the fields of medicine and innovation. A joint action plan in the areas of education and culture for 2026–2027 was also approved. Following the meeting, the Final Protocol of the 13th meeting of the Joint Commission was signed, consolidating the reached agreements and priority areas of cooperation.
Restoration of a Buddha statue fragment continues in Turkmenistan
13.06.2026Representatives of the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles, USA) have arrived in Turkmenistan on another official visit to continue a project focused on the conservation and restoration of fragments of a 5th-century Buddha head statue discovered in Ancient Merv. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The work has been ongoing for several years at the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented within the framework of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program and is significant for the study of Silk Road history and the preservation of cultural heritage. The expert team includes Dr. Suzanne Gansicke, head of the Antiquities Conservation Department at the Getty Museum, restorer Fabio Colombo, and 3D visualization specialist Giuseppe Salemi. At the current stage, the specialists have applied 3D printing technology and created a full-scale model of the Buddha’s head to strengthen the artifact and clarify missing elements. During the visit of U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, a delegation including Special Assistant Vanessa Vidal Castellanos, Special Advisor Joseph Gunnar Sidak, and U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood visited the State Museum laboratory. Professor Suzanne Gansicke presented the progress of the restoration work to participants and demonstrated the digital model and research results. The historical significance of the artifact was emphasized. The sculpture fragment was discovered in Ancient Merv in 1960 and dates back to the 5th century. It is part of a stupa—a Buddhist religious structure located in the city, which in antiquity was an important hub of the Great Silk Road. According to researchers, after the destruction of the stupa, Buddhist monks may have hidden the fragment to protect it from destruction. Suzanne Gansicke expressed gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan and the United States for supporting the project, as well as to the U.S. State Department for its attention to the specialists’ work. The visit of American restorers will last until June 20. The joint work of specialists from both countries is aimed at preserving the archaeological monument and developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States.
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