News
Turkmenistan outlined its priorities at the ‘Central Asia–Russia’ consultations
23.01.2026On 22 January, high-level consultations in the ‘Central Asia-Russia’ format were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The meeting was devoted to the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for 2025–2027. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Ambassador of Turkmenistan E. Aydogdyev, according to the press service of the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. In his speech, E. Aydogdyev noted the need for practical implementation of the initiatives announced by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the second Summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Russian Federation, held in October in Dushanbe. E. Aydogdyev emphasised Turkmenistan's support for proposals aimed at strengthening stability, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, taking into account the national interests of all parties. The participants also discussed mechanisms for implementing the Summit agreements, including through consultations between relevant ministries and other state bodies of the six countries.
Turkmenistan's contribution to regional stability was recognised at the SPECA forum in Ashgabat
23.01.2026Secretary General of the ‘Central Asia-China’ format Sun Weidong noted Turkmenistan's contribution to strengthening regional dialogue and promoting peace initiatives. He made this statement at the SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat, according to Turkmenportal. According to him, geopolitical conflicts and rising protectionism are destabilising global supply chains. In these conditions, the Diplomat stressed, readiness for open dialogue is particularly important. He noted the active role of Turkmenistan as a permanently neutral state. Sun Weidong also highly praised Ashgabat's work as chair of SPECA and the country's contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He separately emphasised the strategic position of Central Asia, connecting East and West, and the importance of stability in the region for the entire Eurasian space. The Secretary-General noted the importance of systemic interconnectivity among the landlocked countries of the region. According to him, diversified logistics can transform Central Asia from a ‘geographical hub’ into a ‘development hub.’ He identified three key areas of cooperation: energy, transport and digitalisation of trade, describing them as the ‘iron triangle’ of regional interconnectedness.
Conference in Ashgabat highlights Central Asia's role in food security
23.01.2026Central Asia plays an important role in global food security. At the same time, the world needs to provide its population not just with food, but with functional nutrition that is beneficial to health. This was stated by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, according to Turkmenportal. The speech was delivered at the International Conference ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ in Ashgabat. According to him, food security should be assessed not only in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality. He noted that some foods do not contribute to maintaining health. The Head of the FAO highlighted three key elements of food security: availability, reliability and affordability. Qu Dongyu gave examples showing that even with the availability of food and reasonable prices, there may still be a shortage of healthy and functional food. He also recalled the historical role of Central Asia in food security and pointed to the impact of geopolitical processes in recent decades on the global food system.
The CIS Railway Transport Council meeting will be held in Turkmenistan
23.01.2026Turkmenistan will host the 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of the CIS Member States. The event will take place in June 2026. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan, Sylapberdi Nurberdiyev, at the SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat, reports AsmanNews. According to him, the Turkmen side is ready to organise the meeting and is counting on the participation of delegations from the CIS countries. He also invited the forum participants to join the future session of the Council. Sylapberdi Nurberdiyev noted that Turkmenistan is developing the region as an international transport and logistics hub and is open to joint infrastructure projects. Among the priorities, he mentioned the ‘Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman’ corridor, which could provide Central Asian countries with access to the ports of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The importance of the ‘Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran’ railway line, the eastern route of the North-South corridor, was also emphasised. According to the Deputy Minister, this is one of the most efficient routes to the ports of the Gulf of Oman, which is in demand not only in the region, but also in Russia and China.
Turkmenistan modernises customs in preparation for WTO accession
23.01.2026Turkmenistan is modernising customs procedures and introducing digital solutions as part of its preparations for accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This was announced by Galina Romanova, Head of the consolidated department of public finance and economic policy at the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, according to Turkmenportal. The statement was made at the SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat. According to her, the key focus is on simplifying trade procedures at borders and transport corridors. These measures, as Romanova noted, are aimed at speeding up and increasing the transparency of foreign trade operations. She also said that after receiving observer status, Turkmenistan is studying WTO agreements, assessing their compliance with national interests and long-term development goals.
Turkmenistan presented its priorities for the CIS chairmanship at a meeting in Moscow
23.01.2026On 22 January, Moscow hosted the first event within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS – a meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council. The meeting was held at the CIS Executive Committee Office. The report was presented by the Plenipotentiary Representative of Turkmenistan, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Commission on Economic Issues E. Aydogdyev, according to the press service of the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan. The Ambassador presented the main directions of Turkmenistan's concept for the CIS chairmanship in 2026. The political section outlines the priorities: strengthening regional security and trust, promoting the principles of neutrality and intensifying diplomatic dialogue. In the economic sphere, Turkmenistan intends to promote cooperation in transport, energy and trade, based on the CIS Economic Development Strategy until 2030. Particular emphasis is placed on the logistical potential of the CIS as a link between Eurasia, the Caspian, Central Asia and the Middle East. In this regard, it has been proposed to declare 2027 the Year of CIS Transport Connectivity. In the humanitarian sphere, the priorities are education, science, culture, tourism and cooperation in the media. The importance of the environmental agenda and sustainable development, including projects in the field of renewable energy and biodiversity conservation in the Caspian region, was also noted. Turkmenistan proposed to hold the Second Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026. The participants congratulated the representative of Turkmenistan on the start of the chairmanship and expressed their support. On the same day, E. Aydogdyev held a meeting with CIS Secretary General S. Lebedev. The parties discussed plans for joint work and the preparation of events within the framework of Turkmenistan's chairmanship.
Ashgabat hosted a conference on nutrition in the context of climate change
23.01.2026An International Conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan, FAO, other international organisations, as well as delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Russia. The main topic was the impact of climate change on food security, health and agricultural sustainability. It was reported that Turkmenistan is implementing a National Climate Change Strategy and a National Forest Programme. Attention is being paid to the rational use of water and land, the introduction of resource-saving technologies and the development of a ‘green’ economy. Special mention was made of water resource management practices, including the use of drainage water after the construction of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ lake in Turkmenistan. The sessions discussed the ‘One Health’ concept, which examines the relationship between the state of the environment and human and animal health. Participants emphasised that this approach should form the basis for reforms in the agricultural sector. Foreign delegates noted that Central Asian countries face common climate risks and need coordinated solutions. During the conference, project documents were signed between the relevant departments of Turkmenistan and the FAO, including: ‘A coordinated approach to land resource restoration...’ between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Strengthening integrated water resources management in the Amu Darya, Zarafshan and Panj rivers’ between the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan and the FAO; ‘Accelerating nature-positive reforms in the agricultural sector of Turkmenistan...’ – between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO; ‘Strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework...’ - between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO. Participants emphasised the need to continue regional dialogue and joint projects to adapt food systems to climate change.
Teacher from Turkmenistan named among the best educators in the CIS – 2025
23.01.2026Novruzalem Gurdov, a young lecturer at the Department of Horse Breeding at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and a member of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding, won the international competition ‘Best Teacher of the CIS – 2025’, which took place in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the final online stage, which was held in early January, the professional activities and achievements of the Turkmen teacher were highly praised by the international jury. The victory allowed N. Gurdov to be named one of the best teachers in the CIS countries in 2025. He was awarded a first-degree diploma and a competition badge. Commenting on the result, Novruzalem Gurdov noted that participation in the international project was a serious responsibility for him and an opportunity to represent the young teaching community of Turkmenistan with dignity. According to him, this victory strengthened his desire for further professional growth. The competition was organised by the ‘Bilim’ Republican Educational Centre in conjunction with the ‘Dobro’ International Charitable Foundation and was aimed at identifying and supporting talented specialists in the field of education in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Turkmenistan and UNECE discussed cooperation development in Ashgabat
23.01.2026On January 22, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Dmitry Maryasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in Ashgabat. He arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the events of the SPECA High-Level Week, which runs from January 20 to 23. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the prospects for further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UNECE. The focus was on issues of sustainable development, energy, transport and transit connectivity, and regional integration. The Turkmen side reaffirmed its commitment to the UNECE mandate, noting the role of the Commission as an effective regional platform for promoting global UN initiatives. The importance of Turkmenistan's high-level participation in the 71st session of the UNECE, scheduled for April 2025, was also emphasised. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable energy, measures to reduce methane emissions, and the development of safe and sustainable transport corridors. In addition, the parties noted the importance of the practical implementation of the decisions of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3) and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034. In this context, the UNECE was named as one of the key regional partners. At the end of the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to further strengthen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Negotiations between the MFA of Turkmenistan and a representative of UNESCAP were held in Ashgabat
23.01.2026A meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Ashgabat on 22 January. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and ESCAP. The Turkmen side noted the high level of partnership and positively assessed the results of joint work in priority areas, including sustainable development, transport and energy, disaster risk reduction, as well as cooperation within the framework of SPECA. Turkmenistan's commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and actively participating in the activities of the UN Economic and Social Council and relevant forums was reaffirmed. Particular attention was paid to issues of digitalisation, the development of paperless trade, the introduction of the ‘Single Window’ principle and the expansion of practical cooperation with ESCAP institutions. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude to ESCAP for supporting the country's international and regional initiatives, including resolutions aimed at sustainable development and addressing environmental issues, including the problems of the Aral Sea. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
A Turkmen teacher completed rule of law training in Japan
23.01.2026Dovletmyrat Berdiyev, a lecturer at the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan, took part in the international seminar ‘Rule of Law’, which was held in Tokyo from 14 to 19 January. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Japanese government for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus as part of the MIRAI programme. The seminar focused on the role of the rule of law, the modernisation of legal systems and the exchange of international experience. The programme included lectures, discussions and thematic sessions, including a special course at Keio University, where participants studied modern methods of developing legal culture. In addition to the educational part, participants visited the Keio University Museum, where they learned about the history of the Japanese education system and the scientific and cultural heritage of the university. The MIRAI programme opens up opportunities for professional growth, international cooperation and strengthening the rule of law in the countries of the region.
Turkmenistan has increased the volume of mutual trade with SPECA countries
23.01.2026The volume of trade between Turkmenistan and the countries participating in the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) exceeded $2.2 billion in 2025, which is 15% more than in 2024, according to the news website Turkmenportal. This was announced by Babaniyaz Yalakov, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, at the SPECA Economic Forum, which was held in Ashgabat. According to him, trade growth has been recorded with most of the programme's member states. In total, the volume of mutual trade transactions exceeded $2.2 billion. Data from the State Committee for Statistics of Turkmenistan also confirm the positive dynamics: the share of countries in the region in the republic's foreign trade turnover increased to 11%, while a year earlier it was 9.6%. B. Yalakov noted that as part of the implementation of the SPECA Action Plan for 2024-2025, Turkmenistan has focused its efforts on creating conditions conducive to increasing the investment and economic attractiveness of the participating countries. The priority areas are the development of transport and logistics routes and the reduction of trade restrictions. In his assessment, current trends form the basis for further deepening economic cooperation, including increasing commodity flows, promoting sustainable transport solutions and improving regional transport connectivity.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
