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Turkmenistan and Japan discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda
26.03.2026On 25 March, Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, held a meeting with Kunimitsu Ayano, Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the Turkmen diplomat thanked the Japanese side for its assistance in organising the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Japan, which took place in December 2025. He also confirmed Ashgabat’s readiness to host Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Turkmenistan at a time convenient for the Japanese side. The interlocutors reviewed the implementation of agreements reached following high-level contacts and discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation. The focus was on political and diplomatic interaction, trade and economic ties, cultural and humanitarian contacts, inter-parliamentary cooperation, energy security issues and coordination in multilateral international forums. In addition, Kunimitsu Ayano expressed her gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their assistance in establishing a humanitarian corridor, which ensured the safe evacuation of Japanese citizens from Iran against the backdrop of the current situation in the country.
The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO
26.03.2026The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, held a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany. The meeting took place on 25 March at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for collaboration in the field of education, including issues of equal access to quality education, the digitalisation of education systems and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. It was noted that the partnership with UNESCO remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of education. UNESCO highly commended the reforms being carried out in the country, as well as its contribution to the development of international educational dialogue and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4. The meeting participants paid particular attention to the implementation of UNESCO programmes in Turkmenistan, the prospects for establishing a UNESCO Department of Digital Science, cooperation in the field of IT education, and the ‘Lifelong Learning’ initiative. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand joint educational projects.
A business forum on developing cooperation with the EU has started in Ashgabat
26.03.2026On 26 March, the business forum ‘New Horizons for Connectivity, Investment and Sustainable Growth’ opened in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of government bodies, the business sector and international organisations from Turkmenistan and the EU. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event is taking place at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) as part of the EU’s ‘Global Gateway’ initiative. Participants were welcomed by representatives of the Turkmen government, the European Union, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the country and the ITC. The forum’s programme includes three panel sessions dedicated to improving the business climate, developing transport connectivity and issues relating to the ‘green’ transition. Discussions will focus on trade and investment between the EU and Turkmenistan, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the digitalisation of logistics, renewable energy and climate finance. It is also planned that an updated protocol to the memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector will be signed during the forum, providing for additional funding of €2 million for the ‘EU for a Green Development in Turkmenistan’ project. The forum venue is hosting B2B and B2G meetings, as well as an exhibition of Turkmen companies and joint projects. The event will conclude with a press conference and an official reception.
India intends to strengthen educational cooperation with Turkmenistan
26.03.2026India’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, spoke of the steady development of Turkmen-Indian relations and highlighted their historical foundations. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is based on centuries-old cultural and trade ties, reports the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The diplomat noted that, despite having gained independence relatively recently, India and Turkmenistan have deep historical roots of cooperation. Contacts between the peoples, he said, existed as far back as several millennia ago. Particular attention was paid to humanitarian cooperation. Interest in Indian culture, including cinema, music, yoga and Ayurveda, is growing in Turkmenistan. A Centre for Yoga and Traditional Medicine operates in Ashgabat, a Hindi Corner has been opened at the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and an Ayurveda clinic is in operation at the Turkmen State Medical University named after M. Garryev. Plans include inviting specialists from India to teach Hindi and traditional medicine. This will help to expand academic cooperation. The two sides are developing cooperation in the field of education. Every year, Turkmen students enrol in Indian universities. Consideration is being given to expanding study programmes to meet the needs of the economy, including the oil and gas sector, the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, digital technologies and education. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for supporting bilateral cooperation and confirmed India’s readiness to further develop it.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are joining forces to develop ‘green’ energy
25.03.2026Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are interested in developing ‘green’ energy and are ready to undertake joint projects. This was reported by Gurbanmammet Elyasov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The diplomat noted that the countries are exploring opportunities to expand the use of renewable energy sources, including Turkmenistan’s participation in ‘green’ energy corridors across the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan could become a transit hub for the export of ‘green’ electricity to Europe. Solar energy in Turkmenistan and wind energy in Azerbaijan, including projects in the Caspian Sea, have been identified as promising areas. Joint energy transmission infrastructure, undersea cables and the integration of systems for electricity exports are also under discussion. Furthermore, the countries see opportunities for cooperation in the production and transport of ‘green’ hydrogen, the introduction of energy-efficient technologies, and the exchange of expertise and investment in renewable energy.
Turkmen engineers are launching equipment production in collaboration with Korean partners
25.03.2026The economic society ‘Amatly çözgüt’ together with its Korean partners is launching the production of modern equipment. All devices will run on software developed by Turkmen specialists, thereby strengthening the country’s engineering capabilities, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The company has previously implemented projects in the ‘smart’ city of Arkadag, installing CCTV, radar monitoring and traffic light control systems, and also provides maintenance and upgrades for these systems. In collaboration with ‘Ojar Aziýa’, work is underway on the technological aspects of the ‘Serahs–Mary–Serhetabat’ motorway, including weight and dimension control, intelligent video surveillance and digital payments. In the future, it is planned to roll out such solutions to other major roads in Turkmenistan.
The spring horse racing season has kicked off in Ashgabat
25.03.2026The Ashgabat International Equestrian Complex opened the spring racing season with a festive event featuring performances by artistic groups, highlighting the special status of Ahal-Teke horses as a national treasure. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. On the first day, ten races were held over distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 metres, featuring the finest representatives of the breed. The Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan emerged as the day’s leader. Competition came from racehorses belonging to the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and private enterprises. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony for the winners. The races demonstrated the high skill of the jockeys and the excellent form of the Ahal-Teke horses, and the opening of the season promises to boost interest in Turkmen equestrian sport both within the country and abroad.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a children’s creativity festival in Japan
25.03.2026Atadurdy Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Japan, took part in the children’s festival ‘Beautiful Land and Spirit of Harmony for Children’, organised by the Japanese non-profit organisation ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the event, the organisation’s Chairman, Masao Watanabe, congratulated the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship on its fifth anniversary and spoke highly of its humanitarian work, including aid to children in Iran, noting the principles of peace and humanism on which it is based. With a view to strengthening Turkmen-Japanese ties, A. Bayramov invited representatives of ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ and Japanese children to visit Turkmenistan and learn about the Foundation’s work. ‘FUJISAN Chidama Festa WA’ is a Japanese organisation that promotes peace through children’s creativity, nature conservation and the promotion of Japanese culture, including through rice fields and origami paper cranes bearing messages of peace.
Kyrgyzstan invites Turkmen athletes to the World Nomad Games
25.03.2026Kyrgyzstan is looking forward to welcoming Turkmen athletes and guests to the 6th World Nomad Games, which will take place in the country from 31 August to 6 September. This was stated by Azizbek Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, in an interview with the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The diplomat also congratulated the leadership and people of Turkmenistan on the holiday, noting the country’s achievements in strengthening independence and sustainable development. The Ambassador expressed his wishes for further progress and success. Previously, the 5th World Nomad Games took place in September 2024 in Astana, where the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, attended the opening ceremony.
The Turkmen startup programme has expanded to the regional level
25.03.2026The Turkmen startup support programme ‘StartUp Academy’ has been shortlisted for the CEVF Awards in the ‘Best Startup Support Programme’ category. This marks Turkmenistan’s first participation in a competition of this calibre on the Central Eurasia Venture Forum platform, reports IIC. ‘StartUp Academy’ has been operating for six years and provides expert and mentoring support to budding entrepreneurs. The programme helps to develop projects and shape the country’s start-up ecosystem. Participation in the awards provides an opportunity to showcase Turkmen initiatives at a regional level. The winner is determined by open voting. The new, 14th cohort of the programme starts on 11 April. Applications are open until 3 April.
The Consul General of Turkmenistan met with the Governor of Istanbul
25.03.2026On 24 March, a meeting took place at the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey between Consul General O. Jumanazarov and the Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gul. This was reported by IIC. The parties noted the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations based on the principles of friendship, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. Following the meeting, the Governor of Istanbul was presented with a book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust’.
The visit to China has strengthened cooperation between Ashgabat and Beijing
25.03.2026The friendly visit to the People’s Republic of China by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, has given new impetus to bilateral cooperation. The negotiations confirmed the parties’ commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination on the international stage, reports TDH. The parties noted the development of political dialogue and the convergence of approaches to issues of sustainable development, security and international cooperation. The importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN and the ‘Central Asia–China’ format was emphasised. Key attention was paid to the fuel and energy sector. Projects with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) were discussed, including the further development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field and preparations for new phases of its development. The 20th anniversary of cooperation in the energy sector was marked, including the implementation of the ‘Turkmenistan–China’ gas pipeline. Prospects for expanding economic ties were considered, including the establishment of joint ventures and the development of trade. Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was highlighted separately, utilising the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the ‘East–West’ corridors. On the humanitarian agenda, discussions covered plans to open the ‘Lu Ban Workshops’ and the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the expansion of educational programmes and academic exchanges. Issues of cooperation in agriculture and ‘green’ energy were addressed, including the introduction of water-saving technologies and modern equipment. Following the negotiations, mutual support for key foreign policy principles was reaffirmed, including the ‘One China’ policy and Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality. An invitation to visit Turkmenistan was extended to the Chinese side, which was accepted. The parties expressed their readiness to further expand their partnership across all areas.
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