News
Kristin Hawkins has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the United States in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026The U.S. Department of State has appointed Kristin Hawkins as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkmenistan. She succeeded Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, who has completed her diplomatic mission in the country, according to IIC Turkmenistan. The State Department noted Elizabeth Rood’s contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan. Kristin Hawkins will continue to work on developing cooperation between the two countries and maintaining bilateral dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President of Georgia on his 55th birthday
22.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, on his 55th birthday and wished him good health and success in his public duties, and the people of Georgia peace, well-being and prosperity. This was reported by the news agency TDH. In his congratulatory message, the Head of State noted the steady development of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia, based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation on an equal footing. The President of Turkmenistan also thanked Mikheil Kavelashvili for the hospitality shown during his recent state visit to Georgia, emphasising his personal contribution to strengthening Turkmen-Georgian relations. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence in the further development of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a WTO seminar in China
22.07.2026A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in a training seminar on World Trade Organisation issues, which took place from 5 to 21 July 2026 in the cities of Beijing, Fuxin and Fuzhou in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of the international trading system, enhance the professional skills of specialists and support efforts related to Turkmenistan’s accession to the World Trade Organisation. The event took place at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Participants learnt about China’s experience in engaging with the WTO, safeguarding national interests within the organisation, and managing free economic zones. Discussions also covered the adaptation of national legislation to international trade rules and WTO agreements, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in this process. The seminar facilitated the exchange of experience in the field of trade and economic cooperation and the improvement of Turkmenistan’s legal framework as part of the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation.
The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the UN Regional Centre
22.07.2026On 21 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Particular attention was paid to the development of regional cooperation, the promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue, and the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of peace, security and sustainable development. During the meeting, issues relating to the preparation of upcoming joint events and the implementation of regional programmes and projects under the auspices of the UN were also discussed. Following the negotiations, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing their cooperation.
A technical seminar on the launch of the ‘e-TIR’ digital system was held in Turkmenistan
22.07.2026On 20 July, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan launched a series of initiatives to implement the international digital ‘e-TIR’ system and prepare for the first freight shipments using it. This was reported by the press office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, a technical seminar was held with the participation of representatives from the customs services of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as experts from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNCTAD. Participants discussed practical issues relating to the launch of the system and the conduct of the first pilot shipment along the ‘Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan’ route. It was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to implement ‘e-TIR’ for international road transport, which contributes to the development of the country’s transit potential. From 22 to 24 July, the first pilot shipments using the ‘e-TIR’ system and training events will take place at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, with the support of the UNECE and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
Turkmen cultural figures took part in the TURKSOY Young Poets’ Festival
22.07.2026Representatives from Turkmenistan took part in the 2nd International Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World, which was held in Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event was organised by TURKSOY in conjunction with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Turkmen delegation comprised Kerim Hallyev, Garahanjar Bayhanov and Yusup Meredov. The festival opened in Shusha as part of the Molla Penah Vagif Poetry Days. During the event, young poets were honoured for their contribution to the development of culture and literature in the Turkic world. Kerim Hallyev and Garahanjar Bayhanov were awarded the ‘Molla Penah Vagif’ medal, whilst Yusup Meredov was presented with a TURKSOY diploma.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is competing at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships
21.07.2026The Turkmenistan national team will compete at the Under-17 Freestyle Wrestling World Championships, which are taking place in Baku from 21 July to 4 August. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Ahead of the competition, the team completed the final stage of their preparations for the world championships. The Turkmenistan squad comprises Noker Guvanjov (up to 65 kg weight class), Mekan Hudayberenov (up to 71 kg) and Shaapbas Esgerov (up to 80 kg). At the championships, these young wrestlers will represent Turkmenistan and compete for world championship medals, whilst having the opportunity to demonstrate the standard of their training on the international stage.
The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry met with the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July 2026, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry congratulated her on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to strengthen cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation, as well as the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development for 2026–2030, the preparation of Turkmenistan’s Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the SDGs, and the work of the ‘Turkmenistan–UN’ Strategic Advisory Council. Particular attention was paid to the development of new joint initiatives, the promotion of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives within the framework of the UN, and the implementation of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations.
A meeting of the National Commission for UNESCO was held at the MFA of Turkmenistan
21.07.2026On 20 July, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a regular meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The participants reviewed the work carried out during the first half of 2026 and discussed the further implementation of Turkmenistan’s initiatives and commitments within the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) following Turkmenistan’s granting of observer state status within the organisation. Promising areas for further cooperation were considered. Following the meeting, priority tasks were identified to strengthen Turkmenistan’s cooperation with international organisations, and work plans were drawn up for the coming period.
The ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern has increased its oil and gas production figures for the first half of the year
21.07.2026At the end of the first six months of 2026, the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’ achieved growth in its production figures. Oil production reached nearly 2,053,000 tonnes, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The subsidiaries of the ‘Nebitgazçykaryş’ trust fulfilled their target by 108.5 per cent, producing 155,800 tonnes of oil in excess of the target. The state-owned enterprise ‘Hazarnebit’ exceeded its target by 1,227 tonnes. The overall increase in oil production compared with the same period last year was approximately 101 per cent. The group’s oil and gas production divisions produced more than 2,454 million cubic metres of natural gas during the first half of the year. The ‘Körpeje’, ‘Keýmir’, ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Gumdagnebit’ departments achieved strong results in the collection and utilisation of associated gas. The ‘Keýmir’ Oil and Gas Production Department achieved the highest figures in field development. Hydrocarbon production here totalled 236,600 tonnes, representing 122 per cent of the target. The ‘Goturdepenebit’ and ‘Ýaşyldepe’ natural gas production units also demonstrated strong performance, meeting their targets by 111 per cent and 115 per cent respectively. Through the modernisation of production facilities and the application of state-of-the-art technologies, specialists from the ‘Nebitgazdüýpliabatlaýyş’ trust restored operations at 216 wells. This enabled the additional extraction of 93,300 tonnes of oil and over 210 million cubic metres of gas. Over the six-month period, the divisions of the ‘Nebitgazburawlaýyş’ Trust carried out drilling work totalling 67,500 metres, which represents almost 112 per cent of the target. The construction of 12 new wells has been completed, 11 of which are production wells. The Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery Complex met its raw material processing target by 102 per cent. During this period, 728,500 tonnes of diesel fuel, 702,100 tonnes of motor petrol, 244,400 tonnes of petroleum bitumen, 202,400 tonnes of kerosene, 86,000 tonnes of liquefied gas, 33,800 tonnes of polypropylene and 28,700 tonnes of lubricating oils. These figures reflect the continued development of the oil and gas sector and the improved efficiency of production processes at the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern.
The Head of Turkmenistan received the new UN Resident Coordinator
21.07.2026On 20 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Xiaojun Grace Wang, who presented her credentials to the Head of State. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the diplomat on her appointment and wished her every success in her work to further develop cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. Xiaojun Grace Wang conveyed greetings and best wishes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Head of State and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations were discussed. The Head of State noted that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the key areas of the country’s foreign policy, emphasising the consistent nature of the partnership. The parties also reviewed joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2026–2030, as well as issues relating to peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, energy security and the development of transport and transit corridors. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the role of the ‘Turkmenistan–United Nations’ Strategic Advisory Council as a platform for developing cooperation in key areas. Xiaojun Grace Wang stated that she would make every effort to further strengthen the partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN. At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his confidence that the work of the new Resident Coordinator would contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and Russia held a telephone conversation
21.07.2026On 20 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. The parties discussed current issues relating to Turkmen-Russian cooperation, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, including the promotion of joint educational and cultural projects. The Heads of the foreign ministries also reviewed the schedule of upcoming meetings, including multilateral events at the highest and high levels planned to take place in Turkmenistan in October 2026. The telephone conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side.
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