The interim results of the World Championship and International Beauty Contest for Ahal-Teke horses have been announced at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 100 horses of this breed from 25 countries are taking part in the competition. The top title was won by the Ahal-Teke racehorse Yyndam, representing French horse breeders. The jury praised his breed characteristics, physical condition, posture and the golden hue of his coat. The competition in the Netherlands is still ongoing.
Representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the 12th World Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held on 4–5 September 2026 in Samarkand. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The conference focused on the role of young people in political and public life, expanding the participation of young parliamentarians in legislative and state activities, protecting their rights and ensuring equal opportunities, as well as strengthening peace and inter-regional cooperation. At the opening session, participants discussed the protection of young people’s rights and freedoms, the development of the legal framework for youth policy, and the creation of conditions to realise young people’s potential. The need for comprehensive support for young people to achieve sustainable development was emphasised. A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s work to protect the rights and freedoms of young people and women, strengthen their role in society, and expand opportunities for their participation in public administration and various sectors of the economy. The role of cooperation with international organisations in this area was also highlighted. Participants examined issues relating to the economic independence of young people, the protection of their rights in the labour market, and support for young entrepreneurs. Particular attention was paid to digital accessibility, security, data protection and the development of young people’s skills in the context of the introduction of new technologies. In addition, discussions centred on young people’s participation in environmental initiatives, environmental protection and the challenges posed by climate change. Participants emphasised the importance of legal approaches to ensuring sustainable development and climate protection in the interests of present and future generations.
The 9th World ‘One Health’ Congress has opened at the Lisbon Congress Centre in Portugal. The forum has brought together experts, scientists and practitioners to discuss issues of global security. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is represented at the congress by Arslan Soltanmyradov, Head of the Department of International and Scientific Relations and National Coordinator for the implementation of the ‘One Health’ approach at the State Veterinary Service under the country’s Ministry of Agriculture. Over the course of four days, participants are examining issues relating to the prevention of zoonotic diseases, the resilience of food systems, the fight against antimicrobial resistance, biosafety and the impact of climate change on ecosystems. As part of the forum, he spoke at a dedicated panel session, presenting Turkmenistan’s experience in developing cross-sectoral interaction and cooperation in the field of protecting human, animal and environmental health.
On Knowledge and Student Youth Day in Ashgabat, a new complex of buildings at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction was officially opened in the presence of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The campus is designed to accommodate 5,000 students and covers an area of 32.2 hectares. It was built by the company ‘Ajaýyp Gurluşyk’, a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The complex is intended for training specialists in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. The complex comprises a 13-storey main building, buildings housing eight faculties and 28 departments, a library, a conference hall and specialised laboratories. A hall of residence with 2,600 places has been built for students. Two residential blocks, each with 40 flats, have been provided for teaching staff. The Institute has received international certificates of compliance with five ISO standards. The certificates were issued by the international certification body ‘CERT International’. According to the Institute, it became the first higher education institution in Turkmenistan and the CIS countries to achieve simultaneous certification against these five standards. With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies have been introduced at the university. The institute has also received ‘green’ certificates confirming its compliance with the principles of sustainable development. An authorised ‘Certiport’ examination centre operates on the university’s premises. This enables testing and the validation of digital and professional skills in accordance with international standards. Lecture theatres and laboratories are equipped with apparatus from leading international manufacturers. The architecture and earthquake-resistant construction laboratory is fitted with a Motion Systems PS-6TM-550 platform for earthquake simulation. Leica surveying instruments and UTES testing equipment are also used. The electromechanics laboratory is equipped with CM LABS simulators for training in the operation of heavy construction machinery, a Soldamatic welding simulator from Seabery, and a KUKA CRK 11 industrial robot. The General Chemical Technology Laboratory is fitted with a Spectro Spectrocube analytical system for X-ray fluorescence analysis of materials. The new complex creates additional opportunities for training specialists, conducting scientific research, implementing digital technologies and developing international academic cooperation.
On 27 September, Turkmenistan will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence. The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the special significance of this date for the country and its people, reports Arzuw.news, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. Over the years since independence, programmes to modernise the economy have been implemented in the country. The energy, transport, communications, agro-industrial and financial-banking sectors are developing. GDP growth stood at 6.3 per cent in the first half of 2026. More than 70 per cent of the state budget is allocated to the social sector. During the reporting period, 309,000 square metres of housing were brought into use. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, highlighted the increase in the country’s export potential and the introduction of digital technologies into the economy. Turkmenistan is a member of the United Nations and maintains a status of permanent neutrality, enshrined in a UN General Assembly resolution in 1995. In 2026, the country holds the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
According to figures for the first seven months of 2026, Uzbekistan has become one of Turkmenistan’s four largest trading partners in terms of foreign trade turnover. This was announced by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, as reported by Turkmenportal. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, trade between the two countries in January–July totalled nearly US$800 million. This is 18 per cent higher than the figure for the same period in 2025. In 2025, the volume of trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan reached US$1.2 billion, having increased by almost 60 per cent over the year. Ravshanbek Alimov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, stated that the two sides expect to increase bilateral trade to US$2 billion in the near future. The diplomat also highlighted the development of a strategic partnership and good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.
On 3 September 2026 in The Hague, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashid Meredov, met with Christoffer Jonker, Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on foreign policy and defence. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Dutch relations, the intensification of political contacts and the expansion of bilateral dialogue, including within the Turkmenistan–European Union framework. During the meeting, views were also exchanged on the international and regional situation. The Turkmen side outlined its approaches, based on the country’s status of permanent neutrality, and emphasised the importance of preventive diplomacy, political dialogue and peaceful means of settlement. Particular attention was paid to economic cooperation, including the involvement of Dutch businesses in projects in Turkmenistan in the fields of shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure, healthcare, innovative technologies and the reduction of methane emissions. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to facilitate visits by the heads of leading Dutch companies to Turkmenistan and to organise their meetings with representatives of the country’s government bodies and business community. The parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They noted the holding of the World Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Championship and the International Equestrian Competition in the province of Limburg. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the conditions created to host these events. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in continuing the dialogue and implementing the initiatives discussed.
The Malaysian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad Tajuddin, held a working meeting with Nazar Atajanov, Director of the Turkmen Energy Forum. The parties discussed preparations for the 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’, as well as organisational matters regarding the participation of Malaysian delegates, according to the online news outlet Asmannews. OGT 2026 will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October. Representatives of government departments, executives from global energy companies, international financial institutions and industry experts are expected to attend the forum. The agenda includes attracting foreign direct investment into Turkmenistan’s fuel and energy sector, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies, and issues of global energy security. Malaysia’s participation is seen as an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
The World Ahal-Teke Horse Championship and International Beauty Contest are taking place in the Dutch town of Kronenberg. The competitions are being held at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, with participants from 25 countries, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. Over 100 horses have arrived in the Netherlands to take part in the championship, including 30 elite horses from Turkmenistan. The programme includes an Ahal-Teke show, as well as dressage and show jumping competitions. Winners are determined based on the horses’ conformation, movements and golden coat colour. Following the first round of competitions, the Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses secured six prize-winning places. Among the two-year-old fillies, Jeren Gözli took first place and Ak Monjuk came second. Meledag was crowned champion among the two-year-old colts. In the category for three-year-old mares, Al Yaňak received the bronze medal. Among the three-year-old colts, Güneş won, whilst Gözbaş took second place. An international scientific and practical conference entitled ‘Ahal-Teke Horse: Turkmen World Art of Horse Breeding’ was held in the neighbouring town of Venray. It was attended by experts, horse breeders, scientists, cultural figures and art historians from various countries. Participants discussed the history of the Ahal-Teke breed’s development, its cultural heritage, the scientific and genetic foundations of breeding and veterinary practice, as well as the portrayal of the Ahal-Teke in art. New publications on the breed were also presented at the conference. In particular, a Dutch-language edition of the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘A Horse – A Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness’. The book consists of eight chapters and is devoted to the traditions of Turkmen horse breeding and issues relating to the development of the sector.
From 3 to 4 September 2026, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the regional conference ‘Parliamentary Leadership for the Future: An All-of-Society Approach to the Care Economy and Demographic Resilience’, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed ways to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, improve legislation, and increase youth engagement and participation in public administration. They also discussed gender equality, the empowerment of women, demographic stability, digital technologies and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In his address, the representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan spoke about state policy in the areas of protecting human rights and freedoms, supporting families and young people, ensuring gender equality and demographic development. It was also noted that measures to develop education and healthcare, digitalise the economy, protect the environment, and promote vocational training and youth employment are being implemented in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On State Youth Policy’. Following the conference, participants emphasised the importance of further international cooperation in implementing the United Nations 2030 Agenda, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and exchanging experience in the field of demographic and sustainable development.
The State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas have launched new Master’s programmes in line with the principles of environmental and social responsibility and effective governance (ESG). The projects have been implemented as part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ ESGCA international programme for the modernisation of higher education in Central Asia, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. From the new academic year, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan is running a programme entitled ‘Economics and Management of the Fuel and Energy Complex’, whilst the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas is offering a programme entitled ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry’. The programmes cover topics such as digitalisation, energy efficiency and sustainable development. The curriculum combines economics, management, environmental studies and law.
In Turkmenistan, measures are being implemented to protect the health of mothers and children as part of the National Programme for the Protection of Maternal and Child Health for 2026–2030, ‘Healthy Mother – Healthy Child – Healthy Future’, which was approved in June 2026. This is reported by Arzuw.News, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The document places particular emphasis on supporting breastfeeding. The programme provides for measures to strengthen the health of mothers and children, improve medical care and enhance population health indicators. The action plan sets out the main areas of its implementation. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a child’s life, with continued breastfeeding until the age of two or beyond. The legal framework for supporting breastfeeding in Turkmenistan is enshrined in the relevant law. Healthcare professionals inform pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and the necessary skills.