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The cooperation programme between Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026–2030 was discussed
22.01.2026On 21 January, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties confirmed their interest in developing cooperation and their readiness to expand joint programmes and projects. The results of cooperation in 2025 and the importance of opening a FAO office in Turkmenistan for strengthening bilateral ties were noted. They discussed the role of joint regional conferences on food security, taking into account climate change, as a platform for coordination among countries in the region. Special attention was paid to issues of sustainable development, ecology and climate risks. Turkmenistan's initiatives to establish a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries and a Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia were highlighted. The development of a new Country Programming Framework for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO for 2026-2030 was also discussed. Following the meeting, an Agreement was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and FAO on the establishment of an FAO office and the provision of technical assistance.
Cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan reaches a new level
22.01.2026On January 20, a meeting was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the Rector of TSU, O. Ovezsahedov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, N. Nogayev, as well as A. Naimanbayev, Doctor of Philosophy and Director of the Department of Career Guidance and Development of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The meeting was dedicated to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral interaction between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres. The meeting was devoted to the development of cooperation between universities. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation between universities, including the exchange of experience in the educational and scientific spheres, as well as potential joint projects. The participants emphasised the importance of strengthening academic ties and expressed their readiness to continue developing the partnership.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan took part in a reception on behalf of the President of Slovenia
22.01.2026On 19 January, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Slovenia, attended a New Year's reception hosted by Natasha Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Robert Golob, Prime Minister, for Heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Slovenia on the occasion of the New Year. This was reported by the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation. E. Aydogdyev conveyed congratulations from the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasising the readiness to develop bilateral cooperation. In response, the Slovenian leadership sent New Year greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan and Hero Arkadag. As part of the event, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with Melita Gabrič, State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Political Issues and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The parties discussed topical issues of political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, the organisation of mutual visits, the work of the Inter-governmental Commission and the improvement of the legal framework for relations. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic cooperation and the maintenance of regular working contacts. The parties also exchanged views on the regional and international agenda, emphasising constructive cooperation in UN forums.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Director-General of the FAO in Ashgabat
22.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu, according to the online news resource Asmannews. During the meeting, they discussed Turkmenistan's cooperation with the FAO, as well as food security issues in the context of climate change. Qu Dongyu emphasised the organisation's interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan, noting the reforms being carried out in the country's agricultural sector and international environmental initiatives. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of the regional conference on food security being held in Turkmenistan, which serves as a platform for the exchange of experience and is supported by the FAO. The Head of State stressed that cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies remains one of the priorities of the country's foreign policy. Turkmenistan is actively involved in initiatives to strengthen global food security, rational management of natural resources and addressing climate and environmental issues. Digital technologies are being introduced in the agricultural sector and the land and water resource management system is being improved. The President said that, with the support of the FAO, projects are being implemented to modernise agriculture, increase productivity and protect crops. Work is also being carried out within the framework of the Green Climate Fund and the ‘One Health’ approach. The parties confirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation and concluded the meeting by exchanging best wishes.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed preparations for the ‘Iran Prože’ exhibition
22.01.2026Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan discussed with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, the preparation of the ‘Iran Prože’ exhibition scheduled for this year. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties agreed on the format and timing of the event, as well as the organisation of a Turkmen-Iranian business forum. They discussed strengthening business contacts and expanding cooperation in industry, construction, energy, transport and logistics. Iran invited Turkmen entrepreneurs to participate in international exhibitions, noting that ‘Iran Prože’ will be an effective platform for business partnerships. The previous exhibition was held on 17 November 2023.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry discussed cooperation with the EU during SPECA Week
22.01.2026On 21 January 2026, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, in Ashgabat. The visit was held as part of SPECA Week, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. Particular attention was paid to expanding political and diplomatic dialogue and the legal framework. The possibility of holding high-level meetings and visits in 2026 was considered. Issues of cooperation in the field of transport and the development of partnerships in the field of vocational education were also discussed.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China exceeded $10 billion in 2025
22.01.2026In 2025, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China reached $10.046 billion, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing China's General Administration of Customs. In December of the same year, mutual trade amounted to $879.9 million. The bulk of trade turnover was accounted for by Turkmen exports. From January to December, Turkmenistan supplied goods worth $8.446 billion to China, while imports of Chinese goods to Turkmenistan amounted to about $1.599 billion. Separately, China imported natural gas worth $8.41 billion from Turkmenistan in 2025.
The UN has published documents on international events involving Turkmenistan
22.01.2026The final documents of two international events involving Turkmenistan have been published as official materials of the UN General Assembly and Security Council during the 80th session. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. The first document summarises the results of the International Conference ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development,’ addressing issues of gender equality, expanding international cooperation, and women's contribution to sustainable development. The second document contains the Ashgabat Declaration of the International Forum on Peace and Trust, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. The declaration emphasises the importance of dialogue, trust and neutrality for strengthening peace and stability.
The ‘Nebitdagnebit’ oil and gas department demonstrates high performance
21.01.2026The ‘Nebitdagnebit’ oil and gas department in the Balkan velayat demonstrated strong economic results in 2025. Total oil production exceeded 668,654 tonnes. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal, citing the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’. At the same time, about 43,664 tonnes of ‘black gold’ were produced in excess of the plan, which allowed oil workers to fulfil the annual target by 106.99%. In January 2026, the ‘Nebitdagnebit’ department, together with foreign partners and service enterprises of the ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern, continues large-scale work on the industrial development of underground productive formations.
A media group has been established in Turkmenistan to cover the events of 2026
21.01.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a conference dedicated to media coverage of sporting and cultural events in 2026. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the creation of a special media group was announced. It consists of 12 teachers and 76 students from relevant faculties of five universities in the country: the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, and the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. The participants discussed the tasks of the new team, its working format and the organisation of training sessions for young journalists. The training will focus on developing professional skills and providing timely coverage of events planned for 2026. It was noted that the work of the media group will contribute to high-quality information coverage of events, as well as the development of international and humanitarian ties. The creation of the group is seen as a step towards strengthening the potential of young people and expanding their participation in public and international activities.
Turkmenistan university receives 190 textbooks from Chinese Embassy
21.01.2026The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan has donated 190 copies of educational literature on Chinese language, history and culture to the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, according to Turkmenportal. The collection includes textbooks, dictionaries and thematic publications for students of different levels of proficiency. Among the books donated are Xi Jinping's four-volume work ‘The Governance of China’ in Chinese and Russian, as well as works on the political system of modern China. These include ‘The Chinese System: Governing China in a New Era’ and ‘Witness to China's Reform and Opening Up: Series of 40 Celebrities.’ A significant part of the collection consists of ‘Modern Chinese’ sets for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with exercises and audio materials. The library also received frequency dictionaries for all six levels of the HSK exam, the Xinhua Chinese Character Dictionary, and phraseological and thematic dictionaries. A separate section is dedicated to publications on Chinese culture, including poetry, geography, traditions, tea culture, and fiction.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary General of the SCO
21.01.2026On 20 January, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People's Republic of China between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, Parahat Durdyev, and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the SCO. The Ambassador congratulated the Secretary General on the New Year and wished him success in implementing the Organisation's tasks. Parahat Durdyev noted the multifaceted nature of the SCO's work and the high level of interaction with Turkmenistan. He provided information on the events planned by the Turkmen side in 2026, as well as on the preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed his gratitude for the invitation and opportunity to participate in the Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. He also recalled his meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed the potential for developing cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, logistics and humanitarian spheres.
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