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Turkmenistan discusses the awarding of honours to citizens for their contribution to the country’s development
17.07.2026At a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, issues relating to the conferral of state awards and honorary titles upon citizens who have made a significant contribution to the country’s development were considered. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, instructed that this work be organised in a coordinated manner in accordance with the instructions of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Hero Arkadag emphasised that citizens who have achieved significant professional success during the years of independence and who are held in high regard by society should be nominated for these honours. The heads of the relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure objectivity and transparency in the nomination process, as well as the proper preparation of documentation.
Hero Arkadag emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts by the authorities
17.07.2026At a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of coordinating the work of the Halk Maslahaty with the members of the Mejlis and the country’s Government. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Hero Arkadag noted the need to respond promptly to contemporary challenges and to prepare constructive proposals on issues of national development in a timely manner. Particular attention was paid to parliamentary diplomacy. The Mejlis of Turkmenistan, in conjunction with ministries, departments, political parties and civil society organisations, has been tasked with making more active use of its capabilities to provide extensive coverage of the state’s peaceful and humane domestic and foreign policies. This work takes on particular significance in the run-up to the 35th anniversary of our Motherland’s sacred independence and in a year marked by the motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’.
Preparations have begun in Turkmenistan for the next session of Halk Maslahaty
17.07.2026The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has announced the start of preparations for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty. He made this statement at a meeting of the Presidium of the Halk Maslahaty, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During his address, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the implementation of state programmes for socio-economic development and the further democratisation of society remain priority tasks. To ensure the country’s long-term development, it is necessary to draw up new proposals for continuing reforms in all spheres. The main aim of the work being carried out is to improve citizens’ well-being and create comfortable living conditions for the population. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the relevant officials would contribute to the successful organisation and conduct of the forthcoming socio-political event.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan discussed cooperation with the President of JICA
17.07.2026On 16 July, A. Bayramov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan, met with Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and JICA. The focus was on the implementation of ongoing technical cooperation projects, the training and professional development of Turkmen specialists, and collaboration with the University of Tsukuba in the field of training personnel for the hydrogen energy sector. In addition, the participants reviewed the promotion of the ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative and opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of digitalisation, healthcare, sustainable development, human capital, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, economic, industrial and technological exchange, culture and tourism. During the meeting, the role of Turkmenistan’s leadership in strengthening bilateral relations was also highlighted, as was the significance of the negotiations held by the President of Turkmenistan with Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which took place in Tokyo in April and December 2025.
A meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador took place at the MFA of Turkmenistan
17.07.2026On 16 July, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Myahri Byashimova, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Turkmenistan, Rana Abu Hijleh. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of Turkmen-Palestinian cooperation, including the strengthening of political dialogue and the expansion of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The Palestinian side provided information on the planned parliamentary elections in 2026 and the presidential elections in 2027. There was also an exchange of views on the organisation of joint cultural and humanitarian events. The Ambassador expressed her gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their support of the activities of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Turkmenistan and reaffirmed her interest in the further development of bilateral relations.
Turkmenistan Culture Days are taking place in Tbilisi
17.07.2026The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are currently taking place in Tbilisi, coinciding with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit. The events are aimed at further developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, according to the news agency TDH. As part of the opening ceremony, an exhibition of national decorative and applied arts was held. The exhibition featured museum artefacts, works by artists and sculptors, as well as examples of the traditional cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. The programme for the Days of Culture included meetings between cultural figures, library staff and theatre directors from Turkmenistan and Georgia. Participants discussed the exchange of experience and prospects for expanding professional contacts. The creative delegation from Turkmenistan also visited Tbilisi’s sights. The opening ceremony concluded with a festive concert featuring singers, musicians, and folk and dance ensembles. Turkmen artists performed musical pieces, including Georgian songs. The Turkmenistan Culture Days in Georgia are continuing.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the Turkmen-Georgian Forum
17.07.2026On 16 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum, where he outlined the key areas for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. The Head of State noted that, in early 2026, an Investment Programme was approved in Turkmenistan, aimed at maintaining gross domestic product growth at 6.3 per cent. The President of Turkmenistan identified the development of the fuel and energy sector as one of the priority areas. Turkmenistan has commenced the fourth phase of industrial development of the ‘Galkynyş’ gas field, whilst also continuing to develop hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea and to build partnerships with foreign oil and gas companies. New hydrocarbon processing facilities have been commissioned in the country. Liquid petroleum products are exported to countries in Asia and Europe. The gas chemical industry is also developing, and the production of mineral fertilisers, polymers and other chemical products is expanding. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the development of the private sector and the expansion of production of construction, metal, plastic, cable and electrical engineering products. The output of finished textile products exceeds 130,000 tonnes per year, around 80 per cent of which is exported. Agriculture is also increasing its export potential. Turkmenistan is one of the major suppliers of environmentally friendly food products. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport, logistics, communications, infrastructure and the use of maritime terminals. The President announced that Turkmenistan is engaged in negotiations to establish a cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The Head of State noted Turkmenistan’s interest in Georgia’s experience in the fields of tourism and services, and emphasised the need to hold regular business forums in both countries.
The President of Turkmenistan’s visit to Georgia strengthens bilateral ties
17.07.2026On 16 July, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, arrived in Georgia on a state visit. A ceremony was held at Shota Rustaveli International Airport in Tbilisi to officially welcome the Head of Turkmenistan, who was received by the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, negotiations took place between the Presidents. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, inter-parliamentary dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, transport, logistics, communications and port infrastructure. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the constructive cooperation between Turkmenistan and Georgia within international organisations, particularly the UN, and expressed his gratitude to the Georgian side for its support of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and its international initiatives. One of the key areas of the negotiation was the development of transport links. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of implementing the initiative to establish the ‘Caspian Sea–Black Sea’ transport corridor along the route ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania’. According to the Head of State, linking the Caspian and Black Sea regions creates opportunities for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation. Particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian ties. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its readiness to expand cooperation with Georgia in the fields of culture, science, education and sport. A Turkmen-Georgian business forum was held as part of the visit to Tbilisi. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, noted that there were extensive opportunities for developing cooperation between the private sector and the business communities of the two countries. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the forum was intended to promote the expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation. The Head of State noted that, in early 2026, an Investment Programme had been approved in Turkmenistan, aimed at maintaining gross domestic product growth at 6.3 per cent. Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke about the development of the fuel and energy and gas-chemical sectors, the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea, and the expansion of production of mineral fertilisers, polymers and other chemical products. The President of Turkmenistan also noted the growing role of the private sector in the national economy. The country is developing the production of construction, metal, plastic, cable and electrical engineering products. The volume of finished textile production exceeds 130,000 tonnes per year, around 80 per cent of which is exported. Particular attention was paid to the development of agriculture, transport, logistics and infrastructure. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced that Turkmenistan is engaged in negotiations to establish a cargo terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast and called on the business communities of both countries to participate in the implementation of this project. Turkmenistan is also interested in Georgia’s experience in the fields of tourism and services. The President of Turkmenistan proposed holding business forums in both countries on a regular basis. As part of the event, an exhibition of products manufactured in Turkmenistan took place. At the ‘Expo Georgia’ venue, displays were presented by the ministries of the textile industry, industry and construction, energy, construction and architecture, health and the medical industry, as well as culture. Representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan also took part in the exhibition. The exhibition showcased the country’s industrial and export potential and served as a platform for developing business contacts and discussing new projects. Following the tour of the exhibition, an official reception was held in honour of the President of Turkmenistan on behalf of the Prime Minister of Georgia. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia is continuing.
Turkmenistan and Germany discussed expanding their business partnership
17.07.2026A delegation from the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, led by Executive Director Michael Harms, arrived in Ashgabat on a working visit. Meetings were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the heads of relevant ministries and departments, according to the IIC. The parties discussed the development of cross-sectoral cooperation and the implementation of joint industrial projects. Negotiations were also held with the leadership of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The main focus was on the supply of high-tech equipment, the introduction of digital solutions and the modernisation of production facilities. The five-day consultations are aimed at expanding trade and economic cooperation and strengthening the presence of German businesses in the Turkmen market.
Sports cooperation with Pakistan was discussed in Turkmenistan
17.07.2026On 15 July, Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan, met with Allaberdi Saparov, Chairman of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sport of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of sport. The Ambassador presented the Turkmen side with official ‘Trionda’ footballs, manufactured for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Faryal Leghari, a ball from the professional series was also presented to the President of the Turkmenistan Football Federation, Guvanchmuhammet Ovekov. During the meeting, the parties expressed an interest in organising friendly matches between athletes from Turkmenistan and Pakistan.
Turkmenistan paid tribute to the father of the Emir of Qatar
17.07.2026Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ashgabat to offer his condolences on the death of the father of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the diplomatic mission, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by the Qatari Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Nasser Ahmed Mohammed Al-Taher. A book of condolences was opened at the Qatari Embassy. Nokerguly Atagulyev, representatives of the Turkmen authorities, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan all left messages in the book. Representatives of the Arab community living in the country also paid their respects.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Connect for Peace 2026’ media festival in Almaty
17.07.2026Representatives of the media and the media community in Turkmenistan took part in the international ‘Connect for Peace Festival 2026’, dedicated to the development of media literacy, which took place in Almaty. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event brought together more than 100 journalists, media experts and representatives of civil society organisations from Central Asian countries. The festival marked the conclusion of the two-year regional project ‘CARAVAN’, implemented by ‘Internews’ with the support of the European Union. As part of the project, around 1,500 pieces of content were produced, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the information environment to disinformation. The programme included panel discussions, expert sessions and practical workshops on media literacy, digital security, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, combating disinformation and the financial sustainability of the media. Participants also discussed effective business models for independent newsrooms and exchanged experiences on implementing successful media projects. The organisers screened documentaries on the culture, environment and history of Central Asia, and a tour of the Almaty State Art Museum was arranged for the guests. The Turkmen delegation’s participation marked a continuation of cooperation under the ‘CARAVAN’ project. Earlier, in May, training sessions on media literacy, digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence were held in Ashgabat with EU support for students, lecturers, representatives of relevant government departments and the media.
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