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Turkmenistan and the US discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
23.07.2026On 22 July, Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Kristin Hawkins, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, including political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening constructive Turkmen-American cooperation.
The Head of Turkmenistan has sent a message of congratulations to the President of Italy
23.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on his 85th birthday. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State noted that Turkmenistan greatly values its friendly relations with Italy and expressed confidence that these relations would continue to develop and strengthen for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Sergio Mattarella good health and happiness, and the people of Italy peace, continued progress and prosperity.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Egypt on the national holiday
23.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on the national holiday — Revolution Day. This was reported by the TDH news agency. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State wished President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi good health and happiness, and the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt peace, well-being and prosperity.
Fitch Ratings has highlighted Turkmenistan’s strong financial position
23.07.2026The international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Turkmenistan’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at ‘BB-’ with a Stable Outlook. The country’s ratings reflect its strong public finances, high level of net foreign assets and low level of public debt relative to other countries with ‘BB’ and ‘B’ ratings, Fitch Ratings reported. The short-term IDRs in both currencies have been maintained at ‘B’, with a Country Ceiling of ‘BB-’. The report also highlights Turkmenistan’s significant gas potential, as the country holds the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves.
Turkmenistan shared its experience of biodiversity conservation at a meeting in China
23.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the first meeting of the ‘Dialogue Mechanism’ for heads of state research institutions from Central Asian countries and China, held in the Chinese city of Urumqi as part of the 9th ‘China–Eurasia 2026’ EXPO. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed issues relating to the environment, combating desertification, climate change and the development of scientific cooperation. Pirli Kepbanov, Director of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan, presented the results of research in the field of desert studies and biodiversity conservation. The parties agreed to develop joint projects on reforestation, the protection of water resources, the creation of ecological corridors and the monitoring of glaciers. Following the meeting, an agreement was signed between the environmental research centres of the countries in the region, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Tashkent.
Turkmenistan has presented measures to improve road safety to the UN
23.07.2026On 20 July in New York, at a UN General Assembly meeting on road safety, Ovezgeldi Kakalyev, Deputy Minister of the Internal Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He noted the country’s commitment to the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 and emphasised that the problem of road traffic accidents requires a comprehensive international approach. Among the national measures mentioned were the annual month-long campaign ‘Road Safety is the Peace of Our Life’, the state programme on road safety, and the ministries’ plans to reduce accident rates. It was also reported that penalties for traffic offences had been tightened following the adoption of relevant amendments to the legislation. O. Kakalyev highlighted the development of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the WHO, CIS states and international organisations in the areas of exchanging expertise and improving the regulatory framework. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to continue its work on improving road safety.
The Turkmen brand ‘Balam’ is considering entering the Chinese market
23.07.2026The confectionery brand ‘Balam’ plans to enter the Chinese market and expand the geographical reach of its product deliveries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Currently, ‘Balam’ products are supplied to Russia, Georgia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The company produces more than 50 types of confectionery, including puff pastries, croissants, semi-finished products and chocolate spread, as well as bakery products. The company uses modern equipment and local raw materials, paying particular attention to quality and hygiene standards. Founded in Ashgabat in 2016, the company intends to expand its export reach and strengthen the brand’s position in foreign markets.
Turkmen performers receive awards at a festival in South Korea
23.07.2026The international song festival ‘A New Cultural Journey Along the Silk Road Through Arirang’ took place in Gwangju, South Korea, to mark the upcoming ‘Central Asia–Republic of Korea’ summit. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the event by Begench Gayipov, a lecturer at the Maya Kuliyeva Conservatoire, and Arslan Jumayev, an artist from the Cultural Centre of the Charjew etrap in the Lebap velayat. They performed their own interpretation of the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’ in traditional dress. Following the festival, the Turkmen artists were awarded commemorative medals and certificates from the Friendship Association in recognition of their contribution to the development of cultural dialogue and international humanitarian cooperation.
Turkmen tennis players are set to begin their campaign in the Davis Cup tournament
23.07.2026The Turkmenistan national tennis team are set to begin their campaign in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV qualifying tournament, which is taking place in Colombo (Sri Lanka). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the draw, the Turkmenistan team will compete in Group B alongside the national teams of Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait. The Turkmenistan players will face the Kuwaiti team in their first match. At the end of the tournament, the top two teams will secure places in Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone. The Turkmenistan squad comprises Yuri Rogussky, Selim Chagylov, Ali Geldiyev and Resul Atayev. The team captain is Meylis Orazmuhamedov, and the head coach is Mirali Gasanov. Last year, the Turkmen tennis players won the Group V tournament, securing four victories with an aggregate score of 12–0, and earned the right to compete in Group IV of the Davis Cup.
Turkmen school pupils have won medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad
22.07.2026Six school students from Turkmenistan represented their country at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Shanghai from 10 to 21 July. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the end of the competition, Agaperman Berdimyradov, a 12th grade student at Secondary School No. 40 in the Yoloten etrap of the Mary velayat, won a silver medal. The bronze medallists were Begench Akmyradov, a 12th grade student at Specialised Secondary School No. 49 in Ashgabat, Maliksha Meylismyradov, a 12th-year student at Specialised Secondary School No. 86 in Ashgabat, and Hemra Gurbanov, a 10th-year student at the same school. A total of 685 school pupils from 119 countries took part in the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad.
Turkmenistan and the Netherlands are organising the World Ahal-Teke Horse Championships
22.07.2026In The Hague, Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held a meeting with Joost Flamand, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Director-General for Political Affairs. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on preparations for the World Equestrian and Beauty Championship for Ahal-Teke horses, which is due to take place in September 2026 at the Peelbergen equestrian centre in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen Ambassador provided an update on the organisational preparations and noted that the competition will be the first international event of this calibre for Ahal-Teke horses to be held outside Turkmenistan. Participants from various countries will present the finest examples of this breed. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the organisation of high-level events as part of the championship, as well as the development of political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of holding a Turkmen-Dutch business forum in The Hague, involving government bodies and business representatives from both countries. The parties considered prospects for cooperation in the fields of water resource management, the introduction of water-saving technologies, adaptation to climate change and the development of water management infrastructure. In addition, Sapar Palvanov held a meeting with Bob Aal, Head of the High-Level Events Unit within the Protocol Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the protocol service. Organisational matters relating to the preparation of upcoming events and visits by high-level delegations were discussed. The Dutch side confirmed its readiness to continue cooperating with its Turkmen partners to ensure the successful organisation of the championship and the further development of bilateral relations.
Representatives from a Turkmen university are undertaking further training at Petronas University
22.07.2026As part of efforts to develop scientific and educational cooperation, a group of students and lecturers from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas has been sent to Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia for training and professional development. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The university’s cooperation with Petronas Charigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd and Petronas University of Technology in Malaysia has been ongoing for several years. In 2024, the parties signed a new Memorandum of Understanding providing for the further expansion of cooperation in the fields of science and education. The visit began on 14 July. As part of the programme, which comprises two weeks of study and one week of professional development, participants will learn about new technologies and the application of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in production processes. Students and lecturers will also familiarise themselves with the university’s educational system, its laboratories, training centres, research activities and the company’s production facilities. The knowledge and practical experience gained will be used to improve the training of specialists and to introduce modern approaches into the educational process.
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