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Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are to hold a three-day business forum
26.07.2026From 27 to 29 July, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan will host the ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ business forum. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event will feature B2B meetings between representatives of government and commercial organisations from both countries. Participants will discuss the development of cooperation in construction, industrial collaboration and the production of building materials. The forum is expected to serve as a platform for signing new contracts, discussing the supply of raw materials and finished products, and launching joint projects.
Turkmenistan has drawn up its priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly
26.07.2026Turkmenistan has finalised the document entitled ‘The Country’s Priority Positions for the Upcoming 81st Session of the UN General Assembly’. This was announced on 24 July at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, according to the news agency TDH. The document has been drawn up taking into account the international initiatives of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Following its publication, it will be submitted to the UN Secretariat and circulated amongst the organisation’s member states. Among the key priorities of the foreign policy agenda are the strengthening of peace and security, and the development of preventive diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Turkmenistan intends to hold consultations on the creation of a Strategy for Universal Peace, to propose that the years 2027–2037 be declared the Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy, and to put forward an initiative to establish a Group of Friends of Multilateralism and the Sovereign Equality of States. There are also plans to continue work on establishing an Academic Centre for Peace, Neutrality and Preventive Diplomacy under the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. In the digital sphere, Turkmenistan will propose the development, under the auspices of the UN, of an International Code on the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. In the environmental sphere, plans include the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue and support for regions facing water scarcity and drought. In the transport sector, the country will continue work on compiling the Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and will put forward initiatives to establish an International Centre for Trade Logistics and Customs Cooperation, as well as a ‘South Asia–Central Asia–Europe’ trans-regional corridor via the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, Turkmenistan will continue to promote the initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law and to host a global forum in Ashgabat. These measures are also linked to preparations for the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2031–2032.
Ashgabat and Tashkent discussed the creation of an industrial and technological corridor
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a telephone conversation with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, put forward initiatives to expand bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The parties discussed the prospects for implementing new joint projects based on their accumulated experience of cooperation, including facilities promoting friendship and economic cooperation — the ‘Ashgabat’ and ‘Tashkent’ parks, bridges across the Amu Darya and a border trade centre. One of the proposals was the creation of an Industrial and Technological Corridor between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The project aims to develop high-tech manufacturing and the production of export-oriented goods. An initiative was also put forward to establish a transport and logistics centre on the Turkmen-Uzbek border, which would form part of the ‘East–West’ route and help to strengthen ties between Asia and Europe. To coordinate joint initiatives, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the advisability of establishing a ‘Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ High Council. It is anticipated that this new mechanism will enable the systematisation of cooperation and the implementation of long-term projects.
Turkmenistan is expanding the capabilities of its geological exploration sector
26.07.2026On 24 July, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov presented a report on the activities of the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’. This was reported by the news agency TDH. It was noted that work is continuing in the country on the rational use of mineral resources, including geological exploration for rare minerals, drawing on international experience. Cooperation with leading foreign companies in the field of underground resource exploration is also being developed. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted a proposal on the development of international cooperation in this field to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for consideration. The Head of State approved the initiative and instructed that the necessary steps be taken to implement it.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have launched the exchange of customs data via eTIR
26.07.2026The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan have established an exchange of data on road transit through the Caspian Sea using the eTIR digital system. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. With organisational support from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the parties successfully carried out a test exchange of information on consignments travelling from Azerbaijan via Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, as well as from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan to the Republic of Turkey. The project has become one of the first examples of direct data exchange on transit road transport between the customs authorities of the two countries, which are situated on the ‘Europe–Central Asia’ international transport corridor. The eTIR system enables the real-time exchange of customs information, reduces paperwork, speeds up customs clearance, cuts costs and simplifies trade operations, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of transit routes. The implementation of eTIR was carried out as part of the project ‘Developing Regional Connectivity through Digitalisation of Customs Operations and Creating “Smart” Customs’.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed the fulfilment of human rights obligations
26.07.2026On 25 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the Inter-ministerial Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the Commission’s work for the first half of 2026 and identified priority tasks for the coming period. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law for 2024–2026, and also discussed the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030, aimed at further developing the national system for the protection of human rights and freedoms, taking into account the country’s international obligations. Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, emphasised Turkmenistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in the field of human rights and to developing international cooperation. Following the meeting, further areas of work were identified for the Interdepartmental Commission on Enhancing the Effectiveness of Turkmenistan’s Implementation of its International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Turkmenistan and the Maldives discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
26.07.2026On 23 July in Malé, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of the Maldives (resident in New Delhi), Sh. Geldinazarov, met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of the Maldives, Iruthisham Adam. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in the transport, communications and tourism sectors, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organisations. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain regular contacts between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Republic of the Maldives with a view to further developing bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan is represented at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
26.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan is taking part in the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held from 19 to 29 July in Busan (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The country is represented by Chynar Rustemova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, and Begench Durdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea. During the session, participants are discussing issues relating to the conservation of World Heritage sites, reviewing nominations for the inclusion of new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and considering measures to protect sites already inscribed on the List.
An international cycling training camp is to be held in Ashgabat
26.07.2026On 24 July, during a government meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov briefed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on preparations for joint training camps in Ashgabat involving athletes from the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and the Turkmenistan national cycling team. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the necessary organisational work is currently underway to ensure the event is held to a high standard. The training camp programme also includes specialist seminars. In this regard, B. Mammedov submitted a corresponding proposal to the Head of State for consideration. Having heard the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that measures to develop sport and support talented athletes are being consistently implemented in Turkmenistan. Having approved the proposal to hold joint cycling training camps in Ashgabat, the Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure they are organised to the required standard.
A Turkmen athlete defeated his Brazilian opponent at ‘UAE Warriors 72’
26.07.2026Turkmen athlete Ata Atdayev performed well at the ‘UAE Warriors 72’ international mixed martial arts tournament, held on 23 July in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by the online publication Arzuw News. During the tournament, A. Atdayev faced Brazilian fighter Paulo Victor. Following a tense contest, the representative from Turkmenistan emerged victorious. The ‘UAE Warriors’ tournament series, held regularly in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is considered one of the most prestigious venues for mixed martial arts competitions in the region and attracts participants from around the world. Aty Atdayev’s victory was further proof of the successful performances of Turkmen fighters on the international MMA stage.
The UN General Assembly has backed Turkmenistan’s initiative for an International Year of International Law
26.07.2026On 24 July 2026, at the 106th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution entitled ‘International Year of Law, 2028’ was adopted by consensus. The document was initiated by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 78 states, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the presentation of the draft, the Turkmen side stated that strengthening the primacy of international law is essential for maintaining global peace and security, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering multilateral cooperation. The adoption of the document confirms the international community’s support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to promote the principles of international law and build trust within the framework of the UN.
Archaeologists have discovered an early medieval monument in Turkmenistan
26.07.2026In the Balkan velayat, archaeologists have discovered a new historical site dating from the early Middle Ages. The find, made near the Gozli Ata mausoleum, has been identified as part of an ancient Oguz complex, according to the news website Turkmenportal. At the centre of the complex stands a stone stepped tombstone featuring a bas-relief depicting the outline of a head. Experts believe it may have belonged to one of the spiritual mentors of the early Islamic period. A stone slab was also discovered nearby, featuring two holes for fastening and a carved ornament in the shape of wings, which is considered a traditional Sufi symbol. The excavations near the Gozli Ata mausoleum were organised following a report by Oregylych Amanov, a resident of the village of Akguyy in the Turkmenbashi etrap.
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