Teachers and students at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University presented the ‘Antiplagiat’ (‘Anti-plagiarism’) software. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the ‘Turkmenistan’ newspaper. This software is capable of analysing texts in Turkmen and other languages. The development has been certified by the State Intellectual Property Service of Turkmenistan. In addition, young researchers have created a programme for calculating energy consumption, which allows the operation of lighting devices to be controlled without expensive sensors and computing devices.
On 25 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Pakistan's Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan, Syed Ali Asad Gillani. This was reported by the press service of the MFA of Turkmenistan. The negotiation focused on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including in international and regional formats. Particular attention was paid to trade and economic ties, the development of cooperation between foreign ministries, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian contacts. The parties agreed to continue working on projects for the transport and energy integration of Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and neighbouring countries.
Uzbekistan is considering purchasing ferries from a Turkmen shipyard, according to Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov, as reported by the Orient news agency. According to the Minister, having its own fleet will help speed up cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea, where delays currently reach 30-40 days. I. Mahkamov emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the development of the Middle Corridor, where they provide transportation across the Caspian Sea due to their port infrastructure. At the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was signed, including the creation of joint ventures and privileges for cargo transportation. A Memorandum of Cooperation in shipbuilding was also signed in Ashgabat between Ilhom Mahkamov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev. Uzbekistan intends to use ferries to increase transport volumes across the Caspian Sea. In addition, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of civil aviation: a Protocol was signed on the launch of direct flights between the two countries.
The Head coach of the Turkmenistan national team, Rovshen Meredov, has announced the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup matches. The national team will play three matches: on 30 August against Kyrgyzstan, on 2 September against Uzbekistan and on 5 September against Oman. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The squad includes: Goalkeepers – Rasul Charyev, Rustem Ahallyev (both ‘Arkadag’), Muhammet Ovezov (‘Shagadam’). Defenders – Vepa Jumayev (‘Vitebsk’, Belarus), Bagtiyar Gurgenov (‘Ahal’), Abdy Byashimov, Ibrahim Mammedov, Berdimyrat Rejebov, Ihlas Toyjanov, Guychmyrat Annagulyev (all ‘Arkadag’). Midfielders – Rahman Myratberdiyev (‘Altyn Asyr’), Gurban Annayev (‘Ahal’), Yazgylych Gurbanov, Arzuvguly Sapargulyev, Mirza Beknazarov, Velmyrat Ballakov, Ahmet Atayev, Ihlas Saparmammedov (all ‘Arkadag’). Forwards – Mihail Titov (‘Uzgen’, Kyrgyzstan), Begench Akmammedov, Altymyrat Annadurdyev, Shamammet Hydyrov, Didar Durdyev, Shanazar Tirkishov (all ‘Arkadag’).
On 4 August, a Parliamentary Forum was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The forum served as a platform for exchanging experiences, developing joint solutions and drawing the attention of the international community to the challenges faced by such states. Following the meeting, a Parliamentary Appeal was adopted and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034 was approved, which became a strategic plan to support LLDCs. The document highlights the key problems of landlocked countries. It emphasises the need for reforms, the development of transport corridors, the digital economy and human capital. Particular attention is paid to the role of parliaments, which must ensure transparency, accountability and the involvement of civil society in the implementation of the programme. The Awaza Programme is linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aims to expand the participation of the LLDCs in the global economy, increase sustainability and improve the standard of living of the population. Its successful implementation will require concerted efforts by the countries themselves, development partners, international organisations and the private sector. The choice of Turkmenistan as the venue for the forum underscores its role in transport diplomacy and regional cooperation. The conference in Avaza was an important step in strengthening international dialogue and developing solutions that can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable development of the world.
Political consultations between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Turkmenistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan took place on 25 August. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov, while the Pakistani side was headed by Syed Ali Asad Gillani, Additional Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the interlocutors conducted a comprehensive review of the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in various spheres of political, economic and cultural life. The diplomats of both countries reaffirmed the importance of regular dialogue at the highest level as a key factor in the development of inter-state relations. Special attention was paid to the significance of the activities of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, with a view to holding its next meeting in the near future. With a view to expanding trade and economic cooperation, the parties expressed their support for establishing direct contacts between representatives of the business communities of the two countries. During the negotiation, issues related to improving the legal framework and promoting joint projects in the energy and transport sectors, including the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, were also addressed.
On 25 August, a telephone conversation took place between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov. During the conversation, the diplomats discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation and emphasised the importance of interaction in the international political arena. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. In this context, the Heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries agreed to continue active political dialogue, including regular negotiation and maintaining contacts at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers. This work will be carried out in accordance with the Programme of Cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation for 2025-2026, which was signed in Ashgabat this year. The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing constructive dialogue on key issues of the regional and international agenda.
A cross-border tourist route connecting Turkmenistan, Khorezm, Karakalpakstan and Kazakhstan has been launched in Central Asia. This circular route includes visits to unique cultural, historical and natural attractions in the four regions, offering travellers new opportunities for educational travel. This was reported by IIC. The route was developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on measures to develop tourism in 2025–2026. The Tourism Committee, together with private partners, paid special attention to creating convenient logistics and a diverse programme. Travellers are offered various types of tourism, including gastronomic tourism with tasting of national dishes, ecotourism with an introduction to natural landscapes, ethnographic tourism with immersion in traditions and crafts, as well as pilgrimage tourism with visits to holy sites. There are over 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monuments of national importance along the route. Key points include ancient Merv and Kunya-Urgench in Turkmenistan, Ichan-Kala in Khorezm, museums and fortresses in Karakalpakstan, and the picturesque landscapes of Mangistau in Kazakhstan. The new tourism product aims to develop cultural and humanitarian exchanges between countries in the region and is designed to become an attractive destination for various categories of travellers.
The World Women Entrepreneurs Forum (WWEF) is being held in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar on 25-26 August under the patronage of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. The event brought together more than 200 participants from 25 countries, including a delegation from Turkmenistan, which included well-known representatives of women's entrepreneurship in the country. This was reported by IIC. The Turkmen delegation is represented by the founder and director of the private enterprise ‘Mähirli zenan’ Ayna Durdylyeva, the head of the shoe production “Gerçek” Ayhan Rejepova, as well as the designer and director of the private enterprise ‘Jennet tagty’ Jennet Agayeva. All members of the delegation are active participants in the Union of Women of Turkmenistan, one of the country's largest public organisations, which plays an important role in the implementation of reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and continued by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The forum is being held under the slogan ‘Inspire – Impact – Invest,’ focusing on expanding women's participation in the economy, investment and digital transformation of business. The programme includes panel discussions, seminars, B2B meetings and an exhibition-fair of products made by women entrepreneurs, with the participation of more than 140 small and medium-sized companies.
On 25 August, an important bilateral document was signed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. Representatives of Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China concluded a Cooperation Agreement aimed at promoting greater interaction in the economic and scientific-technical spheres. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The document was signed by Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan. The agreement aims to exchange accumulated experience and discuss issues related to the practical implementation of advanced innovative solutions in leading sectors of the economy. The agreement provides for the intensification of partnership between Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China in the field of technical and economic cooperation, which will contribute to the further development of mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
Telecom International Asia-2025 (ITCN Asia) is the largest technology event in the region, which will take place from 23 to 25 September in Karachi (Pakistan). This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The event is organised by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. The event will bring together leading IT companies, start-ups and representatives of the public and private sectors. The venue will showcase solutions in the fields of public services, cloud technologies, cyber security, data centres, ERP systems, education, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and artificial intelligence. The programme includes an exhibition, conferences and specialised sessions for exchanging experiences, networking and finding business partners. ITCN Asia is considered Pakistan's largest technology platform with annual international participation.
On 22 August, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, and Xi'an Shiyou University held a video conference on the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ project in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed the purchase and delivery of equipment, the work plan for the second half of 2025, and agreed to complete the laboratory by September and open the centre by the end of the year. The rector of the Turkmen university, Bayrammyrat Atamanov, thanked the Chinese partners, and representatives of Chinese universities reported on the purchase and preparation of the first batch of equipment. Experts discussed the reconstruction of geological exploration and information technology laboratories, as well as plans to create a joint ‘One Belt One Road’ laboratory. CNPC will also participate in the project, strengthening the link between education and industry. ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ is an international educational project of China aimed at training skilled personnel and transferring technology. The centre in Turkmenistan will be an important step towards modernising education and introducing advanced technologies.