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Turkmenistan is developing a system for inter-agency electronic data exchange
26.04.2026Turkmenistan has established the regulatory framework for the launch of the Inter-agency Electronic Data Exchange System. These decisions have been taken as part of efforts to develop digital infrastructure and modernise the telecommunications sector. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan has announced the continuation of programmes to expand digital services, modernise the sector and strengthen the country’s technological independence. Standard documents regulating the operation of the electronic exchange system have been approved, including agreements between government bodies and the system operator. These define the procedures for interaction, data exchange and the provision of electronic public services, as well as the rights and obligations of participants. ‘Türkmentelekom’ has been appointed as the operator, coordinating the system’s operation and being responsible for monitoring cyber risks. It is expected that the implementation of the platform will integrate government databases into a single network and create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for the country.
Educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan is entering a new phase
26.04.2026On 24 April, a meeting took place in Astana between Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The negotiations took place within the framework of previously reached high-level agreements and focused on developing cooperation in the fields of science and higher education. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation, prospects for its expansion, and approaches to modernising education systems, taking into account long-term socio-economic development. The Turkmen side presented the progress of the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education until 2052, including measures to forecast staffing needs and align education with the labour market. Particular attention was paid to methods for forecasting demand for specialists, analytical tools for educational planning, and linking demographic and economic indicators with the workforce training system. Separate discussions were held on the education of Turkmen students in Kazakhstan, academic mobility, and improving the quality of graduate training. The Kazakhstani side presented its experience of modernising the higher education system, including digitalisation, quality assurance and the introduction of centralised testing with the support of international partners. The meeting also examined the prospects for the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education. As a result, an agreement was reached to develop a sustainable mechanism for bilateral cooperation in the fields of science and higher education.
Turkmen students have completed a course in traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing
26.04.2026Students and a lecturer from the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan took part in an international educational programme on traditional medicine, which was held from 9 to 23 April at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The course was organised by the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS). As part of the programme, participants studied both the theoretical and practical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine. The course covered the history of the discipline, methods of healing and restoring the body, as well as issues relating to the cultivation, harvesting and storage of medicinal plants and the technology for producing preparations based on them. In addition to the classes, cultural events were organised for the participants, including visits to specialist museums and an excursion to the Great Wall of China. Students from medical universities in other Central Asian countries also took part in the course.
Cargo throughput at the Port of Turkmenbashi has risen amid an increase in exports and transit traffic
26.04.2026Cargo transhipment at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport rose by 10% year-on-year in January–March 2026. This growth was driven by increased supplies of Turkmen oil to local refineries and sulphur exports, some of which were diverted from the Iranian route, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Transit through Turkmen ports increased by 23% in the first quarter. The main drivers were the growth in urea exports from Garabogaz and the transhipment of liquid cargo via Ekerem. The increase in sulphur transit is linked to its re-routing in March via Azerbaijan to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, against a backdrop of a 35% rise in Black Sea prices. The port of Turkmenbashi remains the largest on the Caspian Sea and boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including passenger, container and cargo terminals.
Turkmenistan and Palestine discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation
26.04.2026On 24 April, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Rana Abu Hijleh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side emphasised that the country attaches priority to the development of international cooperation, including interaction with Palestine both at the bilateral level and within the framework of authoritative international bodies, including the UN. In this context, the willingness to further strengthen the partnership on the basis of parliamentary diplomacy, grounded in the principles of mutual respect, equality and trust, was reaffirmed. The interlocutors discussed the current state of inter-state relations and the prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary dialogue. It was noted that such cooperation facilitates the exchange of experience in the field of law-making and parliamentary practice, and also allows for a deeper exploration of the potential for cooperation in various areas.
Preparations for the meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee were discussed in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026The 16th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee on Economic Cooperation is due to take place in Tokyo in December 2026. This was announced by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Foreign Affairs Minister, on 24 April at a government meeting, according to the state news agency TDH. The meeting is expected to consolidate the agreements reached during the visits of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Japan last year. Preparations for the event include inter-ministerial consultations in Ashgabat in July, where the parties will discuss the implementation of joint projects and update the roadmap for cooperation. The previous meeting of the committee took place in December 2024 in Ashgabat and laid the foundations for expanding the partnership. Active preparations are currently underway, and the upcoming meetings in Ashgabat and Tokyo are expected to strengthen bilateral dialogue in the economic and political spheres.
Turkmen travel agencies have explored resorts in northern Turkey
26.04.2026From 17 to 20 April, representatives from nine travel agencies in Turkmenistan visited the Turkish provinces of Rize and Artvin. The trip was organised by the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The highlight of the trip was the ‘International Kachkar Tourism Fair’ in Rize. The Turkmen specialists explored the offerings of the regional market and held B2B meetings with Turkish partners. The delegation visited weaving workshops, tea plantations, the historic centre of Chamlıhemshin, the Palovit Waterfall, Zilkale Castle, the Firtina Valley and Lake Borçka Karagöl. The programme also included rafting, a zip line and an introduction to local cuisine. Following the visit, the parties identified areas for cooperation and the development of tourism products for the Turkmenistan market.
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the celebrations marking the National Holiday
26.04.2026On 25 April, celebrations marking the National Day of the Turkmen horse were held at the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, took part in the event, according to TDH. Before the start of the celebrations, a monument was unveiled to the Ahal-Teke horse Pyyada — a four-time winner of beauty contests in Ashgabat (1998–2001) and a two-time winner of the ‘Star of Turkestan’ competition in Tashkent (2008–2009). Today, the prize awarded to the winners of the 1,800-metre race for three-year-olds bears his name. The President of Turkmenistan inspected the exhibition stands of the velayats and the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, where paintings, sculptures, jewellery, horse tack and photographs featuring Ahal-Teke horses were on display. The Head of State was presented with eight racehorses as gifts from the residents of the velayats, Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and the security forces. Another racehorse — Daghan — was presented to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Ten horses took part in the final of the international competition ‘Ýylyň iň owadan ahalteke bedewi’ (The most beautiful Ahal-Teke horse of the year). The winner was the stallion Hankerwen, born in 2018 from the Gaplan line, belonging to the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan. His trainer received a Toyota Fortuner, the challenge cup and a certificate. The horse Melegush (owned by B. Ballyev) won the endurance race, whilst Gudratly from the Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan won the show jumping competition. Prizes for the creative competition were presented on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan to six winners in the following categories: carpet art, jewellery, painting, sculpture, photography and video.
The first HSK testing centre is set to open in Turkmenistan
26.04.2026Plans are afoot to open the first HSK Chinese language testing centre in Turkmenistan. This was announced by Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, at an event marking International Chinese Language Day at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, according to the news agency Orient. According to the diplomat, work on the project is already underway with the support of the Chinese Embassy and partner organisations. The new centre is intended to make it easier to take the HSK exam, which is required for admission to Chinese universities and employment in China. It is expected that its opening will expand opportunities for those studying Chinese and will be a step towards strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium welcomed participants in an EU educational programme
26.04.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels organised a meeting with Turkmen participants in a specialised European Union training programme aimed at young diplomats from Central Asian countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, a meeting was held with Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium. The programme participants were introduced to the practical aspects of the diplomatic service and discussed current areas and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU. Particular emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan’s international initiatives. In particular, the discussion focused on promoting the ideas of peace and trust at the global level, as well as on the significance of the country’s policy of permanent neutrality as a key element in maintaining stability in the region and fostering constructive dialogue. The meeting took place in a businesslike and open atmosphere and concluded with an exchange of experiences. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan shared practical advice with the young professionals aimed at their professional development.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan presented his credentials to the UN Secretary-General
25.04.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. During a brief meeting following the ceremony, V. Hajiyev conveyed greetings from the leadership of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations, including issues related to strengthening international and regional security, as well as the development of preventive diplomacy and mediation. Attention was also given to the Sustainable Development Goals, including cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and environmental protection.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of Argentina
25.04.2026The Chairperson of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, received credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira. This was reported by TDH. During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed greetings from the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, to the President of Turkmenistan. Gulmanova congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him success in developing bilateral relations. The ambassador was briefed on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, its international initiatives, as well as the structure and activities of the Mejlis. The sides discussed Turkmen–Argentine relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the United Nations, and emphasized the importance of interparliamentary dialogue.
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