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A new nature reserve is being established in western Turkmenistan
28.08.2025The Uly (Greater) and Kiçi (Lesser) Balkhan mountains in western Turkmenistan will be designated as protected areas. The new reserve will be created with its core in Uly Balkhan and nature reserves in Kiçi Balkhan and Southern Ustyurt. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The idea of protecting the Balkhan Mountains was first proposed in the 19th century after Grigory Karelin's expedition. Later, the region was studied by zoologists Mikhail Laptev and Geldi Shukurov. Modern research has confirmed the need to protect this unique ecosystem, which has been damaged by livestock grazing. According to scientists, the area is home to two species of amphibians, 28 species of reptiles, 174 species of birds and 45 species of mammals. These include the Central Asian leopard, bezoar goats, mountain rams, manuls and Turkmen caracals. However, the reduction in vegetation and food sources has led to the disappearance of a number of rare birds and a decline in the numbers of other species. The creation of the reserve will be part of Turkmenistan's National Forest Programme. At the same time, there are plans to expand the network of specially protected areas in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats.
Ashgabat to host international conference on artificial intelligence in education
27.08.2025The capital of Turkmenistan will host an international scientific and practical conference entitled ‘The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Education.’ The event is organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. This was reported by IIC. The forum will bring together UNESCO representatives, international experts, scientists and educators to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into national and global education systems. Key topics will include the digitalisation of education, the development of media literacy, the ethical aspects of AI application and the introduction of innovative teaching technologies. The conference will pay particular attention to the personalisation of learning and the development of critical thinking with the help of AI. The event is aimed at sharing best practices, developing joint strategies and increasing the competitiveness of Turkmenistan's education system. The conference is part of the education digitalisation strategy implemented by the Ministry with the support of UNESCO. This strategy includes infrastructure development, teacher training and the creation of national standards for digital competence.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the development of the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ corridors
27.08.2025The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan held a negotiation with a delegation of Pakistani business circles led by the Head of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, former Minister of Health of Balochistan Province Mir Naveed Baloch. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen side informed the entrepreneurs about the key aspects of the country's foreign policy, the results of the recent UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, as well as the role of large-scale infrastructure projects — the TAPI gas pipeline and the TAP power line — in ensuring Pakistan's energy security. An important topic of the meeting was the deepening of trade, economic, transport and logistics cooperation. The parties discussed in detail the prospects for using the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ international corridors, including the synchronisation of the work of the ports of Turkmenbashi and Gwadar. Pakistani entrepreneurs expressed interest in expanding partnership in energy and logistics, emphasising the strategic potential of the port of Gwadar for regional trade. Following the negotiation, an agreement was reached to intensify business contacts and organise mutual visits by business delegations.
Border trade between Turkmenistan and Iran will gain new momentum
27.08.2025Iran intends to create a joint border market with Turkmenistan to attract investment. This was announced at a press conference by the Governor of North Khorasan, Bahman Nouri, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In March 2025, representatives of the two countries' government agencies discussed the construction of a trade zone on the border. According to the parties' plan, the project should contribute to the development of cross-border trade and strengthen economic cooperation. Turkmenistan and Iran also plan to build two new railway lines in the Sarahs border crossing area, which will increase transport volumes.
Preparations are underway in Turkmenistan for the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
27.08.2025On 19 September, the ‘Maslahat Köşgi’ Palace in Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, the key representative body of the government. The event is timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the country's independence and reflects a new stage in the development of democratic processes, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The agenda of the meeting includes summarising the work done over the past period, setting priorities for the near and long-term future, and approving proposals to strengthen the foundations of democracy. Preparations are being supervised by the Presidium, with an Organising Committee set up to ensure the high standard of the forum. The meeting emphasises the principle of national unity, which is the basis of the modern political system of Turkmenistan, and the motto ‘The State is for People!’. The forum serves as a platform for synchronising the work of the government and society, reflecting the strategic course of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The meeting is of particular importance as it is being held in the International Year of Peace and Trust and in the year of the 30th anniversary of the country's permanent neutrality. The decisions taken will contribute to strengthening Turkmenistan's foreign policy course, based on peace and cooperation, and will ensure the sustainable development of the state.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan organise cross-cultural Days
27.08.2025Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will hold cross-cultural days. The events will take place in October 2025 in Azerbaijan and in April 2026 in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The events will be part of the agreements reached on 22 August at a trilateral meeting in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In a joint statement, the parties emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation, including the development of ties between cultural and scientific institutions, the media, creative associations and universities in the region.
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan strengthen strategic partnership
27.08.2025On 22 August, a trilateral meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in politics, economics, energy, transport, and the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector, including the export of electricity and gas, as well as the development of transport and logistics corridors along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route. Projects in the field of industrial cooperation, cross-border trade and digitalisation were discussed. The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, education, science, sports and tourism. A joint statement was adopted, defining key areas of partnership, including in the field of ecology and climate initiatives. The meeting in Avaza was called a historic event, confirming the desire of the three countries to give new impetus to strategic cooperation and take it to a higher level.
President of Turkmenistan congratulates President of Moldova on Independence Day
27.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the entire Moldovan people on the occasion of the country's Independence Day. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Maia Sandu good health and prosperity, and the people of Moldova peace, consistent development and prosperity.
President of Turkmenistan sends congratulations to Prince of Monaco
27.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to Prince Albert II of Monaco and the people of Monaco on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised that cooperation is based on mutual respect and trust, expressing interest in further strengthening ties. The President of Turkmenistan noted his confidence that the partnership will develop successfully in the interests of both peoples. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Albert II good health and well-being, and the people of Monaco peace, progress and prosperity.
A film about the Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy will be shown in Kazan
27.08.2025As part of the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival ‘Altyn Minbar’, there will be a special screening of the film ‘Magtymguly Pyragy’. The film, directed by Muzaffarjon Erkinov, is included in the non-competitive programme ‘Russia – Islamic World’. This was reported by IIC. A joint project by filmmakers from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, created in 2024, the film tells the story of the life and work of the great Turkmen poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy, who was active in the 18th century. The film highlights important stages in the thinker’s biography, including his studies at the Kukeldash madrasah in Buhara and the Shergozihan madrasah in Hiva. The film is scheduled to be shown at the ‘Rodina’ cinema in Kazan on 9 September. The screening is organized as part of the festival programme aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
An expert webinar on SDG monitoring was held in Turkmenistan
27.08.2025An expert webinar aimed at strengthening national capacity in monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals was held in Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in cooperation with the country's State Committee on Statistics. This was reported by IIC. Experts from authoritative international organisations, including FAO, UN-Habitat, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UNEP, were invited to participate in the online meeting. During the webinar, international experts shared practical recommendations on key areas of sustainable development, such as fisheries management, urban infrastructure and public utilities development, as well as the protection of aquatic ecosystems and monitoring of endangered species. The methodologies and tools obtained during the webinar will improve the national system of statistical observation and data analysis, which will increase the effectiveness of monitoring Turkmenistan's progress in implementing the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Fitch Ratings has given a consistent outlook for Turkmenistan's credit rating
26.08.2025One of the leading international rating agencies, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Turkmenistan's foreign currency credit rating at ‘BB-’ with a consistent outlook. This was reported by the online publication Business Turkmenistan. In justifying their decision, the agency's analysts noted the country's strong sovereign balance sheet compared to other countries in the ‘BB’ and ‘B’ rating categories. Experts emphasised that Turkmenistan has a high ratio of net foreign assets to GDP and a low level of public debt. An important factor in the stability of the economy is the country's vast natural gas reserves. According to analysts' forecasts, by 2027, Turkmenistan's net foreign assets will reach 50.8% of GDP. The country's foreign exchange reserves are recognised as among the highest in the Central Asian region, covering more than 52 months of external payments. Natural gas continues to dominate exports, accounting for 67% of total exports to foreign countries in 2024. A significant portion of gas exports (88%) was directed to the Chinese market. Negotiation is currently underway on the construction of a fourth branch of the gas pipeline to China.
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