The European Union’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne, laid flowers at the Monument to Turkmenistan’s Independence and also visited the Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque and the Turkmenbashi Mausoleum, where he likewise laid flowers. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Earlier, Devigne presented his credentials to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and handed copies of them to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Devigne will head the European Union’s delegation in Ashgabat and will liaise with Turkmen state bodies and partners. According to the press release, his work will focus on strengthening the partnership between the EU and Turkmenistan, developing cooperation and advancing the common interests of both sides.
An open lecture was held at the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University by Ahmed Alhay Hamad Khamis Alhameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During the lecture, the diplomat spoke about the UAE’s experience in the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and implementing technologies for the rational use of natural resources. Participants also discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation. Before the event began, guests viewed an exhibition of domestic scientific and engineering developments, as well as agricultural, food and textile products. Particular attention was paid to joint environmental and production initiatives. In particular, the meeting examined a project by the State Association of the Livestock and Poultry Industry of Turkmenistan and the UAE’s International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), aimed at modernising feed production and restoring arid pasturelands.
A delegation from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, led by the agency’s Deputy Chairman, is taking part in the 2026 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, which opened on 9 September in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. As part of the forum, Turkmen specialists took part in the Sub-Forum on Cooperation in Migration Management. The day before, they held negotiations with the leadership of the State Administration for Migration Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The parties discussed the exchange of experience, the digitalisation of processes, the transition to electronic document management and the introduction of modern technologies. More than 2,100 delegates from 139 countries and international organisations are taking part in the conference. The programme includes eight thematic sub-forums dedicated to migration policy, cyber security, the fight against transnational crime and the application of modern technologies. The forum will run until 11 September. Representatives from Turkmenistan will also visit an exhibition of security equipment. Following the meetings, it is planned to adopt a Regional Report on trends in migration policy.
A delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the first International Space Summit, which is taking place at the ‘Grand Palais’ in Paris, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event brought together approximately 2,000 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, the space industry, and scientific and investment circles. On the first day, panel discussions and thematic sessions were held, focusing on the development of space infrastructure and industry, the application of artificial intelligence and new technologies, the training of specialists, and international cooperation in the fields of space exploration and Earth and ocean observation. An exhibition showcasing cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions in the space sector was also organised as part of the Summit. The International Space Summit is still in progress.
UNDP in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Education, has launched the pilot phase of the ‘National System for Strategic Human Capital Planning’ project. The initiative aims to establish a coherent, data-driven system linking demographic trends, education, skills development and labour market needs, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The project was launched at the first coordination meeting, attended by key government bodies and international UNDP experts. The project will help strengthen the capacity of national institutions in data analysis, skills forecasting and strategic human capital planning. One of the key areas of focus is the collection and analysis of data for human capital foresight and skills planning in Turkmenistan, according to a UNDP press release. As part of the international experts’ visit, consultations will be held with relevant ministries and departments on issues relating to human capital planning, labour market needs, available data and mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation. The outcomes of these consultations will be taken into account when developing the national system. UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Narine Sahakyan, noted that human capital development is a key prerequisite for sustainable development, and that the country’s young population presents significant opportunities for its future. Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, emphasised that education transforms demographic potential into skilled and competitive human capital. According to him, the project is conceived not as an analytical study, but as a practical planning tool that will help identify medium- and long-term needs for specialists and skills, link these to the workforce training system, and improve the soundness of decision-making regarding educational priorities. Atayev added that the value of the project would depend on whether it was possible to establish a mechanism enabling the training of personnel in advance, rather than reacting to shortages after the event. The initiative is in line with Turkmenistan’s national priorities in the fields of education, human capital, digital transformation and economic diversification, including the Strategy for the Development of Higher Vocational Education for 2026–2052 and its implementation plan for 2026–2030.
In Ashgabat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev, who had arrived in the country to take part in the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the practical implementation of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s presidency of the Commonwealth, as well as preparations for upcoming events at the highest and high levels. Separately, they addressed issues relating to preparations for the meetings of the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and the CIS Council of Heads of State, which are to take place on 7 and 9 October at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourism Centre: organisational aspects and the content of the agendas were reviewed. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their cooperation.
From September to December 2026, China is hosting the ‘China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2026’ international training programme for journalists. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The opening ceremony took place on 8 September in Beijing. The programme is being implemented as part of the ‘International Information Centre’ project and brings together 109 journalists from 101 countries. Among the participants is a representative of the online newspaper ‘Altyn asyr’ from Turkmenistan. The aim of the programme is to familiarise foreign journalists with China’s political, economic and cultural life, as well as to strengthen international cooperation in the media sector. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and broaden their knowledge of the PRC’s political system, its economic development and foreign policy. The organisers note that such programmes contribute to fostering dialogue between countries and strengthening professional ties among journalists from different nations.
A delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the regional conference ‘Accelerating Midwifery in Eastern Europe and Central Asia’, held on 7–8 September in Ankara. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The conference was attended by representatives of health ministries, international experts and specialists from countries in the region. Participants discussed the development of midwifery, regional cooperation and the preparation of multi-year national action plans to ensure safe motherhood and strengthen health systems. The event was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Turkish Ministry of Health and the Turkish Cooperation and Co-ordination Agency (TIKA). The conference also served as a platform for political dialogue, the exchange of experiences and the alignment of national practices with international standards in the field of maternal and newborn health.
Turkmen-Tajik relations continue to develop across the board on the basis of good neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust. This was stated by T. Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, during a speech at a formal reception marking the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that cooperation between the two countries is underpinned by historical, spiritual and cultural ties, and that the convergence of Turkmenistan’s and Tajikistan’s positions is evident in their collaboration at regional and international levels, including within the framework of the UN. According to T. Atahallyev, regular meetings between the Heads of State and the existing legal and treaty framework contribute to the development of bilateral relations. The Joint Turkmen-Tajik Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation also plays an important role. Particular attention is paid to humanitarian cooperation. The countries organise Culture Days, exhibitions and creative gatherings, and are also expanding links between universities and research institutions. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the further strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation and conveyed his best wishes for prosperity and well-being to the people of Tajikistan on the occasion of Independence Day.
Vladimir Omelnytsky, Vice Governor of Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation), paid a working visit to Turkmenistan. The programme included laying flowers at the ‘Halk hakydasy’ (People’s Memory) memorial complex, a meeting with a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad, and negotiations on bilateral cooperation, reports the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The St. Petersburg delegation paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Great Patriotic War. During the war, Turkmenistan took in around 32,000 residents of Leningrad and its environs. Despite the hardships of wartime, local residents provided the new arrivals with the necessary assistance. In Ashgabat, Vladimir Omelnytsky met with Galina Mamedova, a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad. She noted the attention and support given to veterans by both Russia and Turkmenistan. On the instructions of the Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, the delegation held negotiations with representatives of relevant Turkmenistan government departments. The parties discussed the supply of pharmaceutical products and equipment for the new International Medical Centres in Ashgabat. It was also proposed to hold online seminars using artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the exchange of expertise between healthcare specialists from St. Petersburg and Turkmenistan. In addition, discussions centred on touring performances by St. Petersburg theatres, the organisation of museum exhibitions and displays in Ashgabat, as well as the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. Vladimir Omelnytsky thanked the Turkmen leadership and the country’s Government for their hospitality and for their support in developing bilateral cooperation.
An official reception was held in Ashgabat to mark the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Tajikistan’s independence. The event was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, T. Atahallyev, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations, as well as members of the Tajik diaspora, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Vafo Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan, highlighted the significance of 9 September and spoke about Tajikistan’s development since gaining independence. The diplomat paid particular attention to bilateral relations. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is developing within the framework of a deepened strategic partnership and is based on mutual respect. This is evidenced by regular high-level contacts and the existing legal and treaty framework. Speaking on behalf of Turkmenistan was T. Atahallyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. He emphasised that relations between the two states are based on traditions of good neighbourliness, spiritual kinship and fraternal ties. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the convergence of Turkmenistan’s and Tajikistan’s positions on a number of international issues, including within the framework of the UN. According to him, regular meetings between the Heads of State contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and developing cooperation.
The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has congratulated the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the people of Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his congratulatory letter, Aleksandar Vučić noted that, over the past three decades, bilateral relations have developed on the basis of friendship and mutual respect. He stated that Serbia attaches great importance to its ties with Turkmenistan and is keen to further strengthen them. The Serbian President expressed his confidence that political dialogue would continue and that cooperation would be expanded in areas of mutual interest. Aleksandar Vučić also wished the President of Turkmenistan every success in his work, and the people of the country peace, well-being and prosperity.