News
Turkmenistan and ILO outline areas of cooperation for 2026
13.03.2026On 12 March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a round table with representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). They discussed cooperation in the areas of labour, social protection and sustainable development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and departments, international organisations and social partners. The participants considered the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They discussed improving labour legislation, promoting the principles of decent work and implementing joint programmes in the social sphere. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan M. Byashimova noted the importance of cooperation with the ILO. According to her, cooperation with the organization contributes to the introduction of international experience and the development of the national labor relations system. Special attention was paid to the results of joint work in 2025 and the discussion of priority areas of cooperation for 2026. The participants also stressed the importance of further exchange of experience and expansion of partnership initiatives.
Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair in Minsk
13.03.2026Turkmenistan will be represented at the 33rd International Book Fair, which will be held from 17 to 22 March in Minsk. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. This year, about 500 exhibitors from 23 countries will take part. On 20 March, Turkmenistan Day will be held on the central stage as part of the CIS thematic days, which will be held jointly with Uzbekistan Day. Each country will be provided with a separate platform for presenting national literature and new releases. The central exhibition is dedicated to literary and publishing projects of the CIS countries and cultural interaction between the Commonwealth states. The forum's programme includes an international symposium entitled ‘The Writer and Time’, meetings between authors and readers, presentations of new publications, autograph sessions and discussions between publishers. Separate areas will be dedicated to children's literature, educational projects and digital initiatives in book publishing.
Turkmenistan and China discuss the role of women in society and innovation
13.03.2026The ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a round table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan–China: Women and Society,’ organised by the Chinese Embassy and dedicated to the role of women in the economies and cultures of both countries. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Zhong Hua, Chargé d'Affaires, presented statistics on the modern role of women in China: the average life expectancy is 80 years, 46% of scientific and technical personnel are women, and more than half of Internet entrepreneurs are female. Particular attention was paid to last year's visit to China by a Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, which strengthened cooperation in protecting children's rights and supporting motherhood. China plans to train 50,000 women and launch 1,000 local social projects over the next five years. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, gave a response speech, and the subsequent dinner turned into an exchange of success stories. The participants discussed a wide range of topics, from preserving national embroidery to achievements in aviation. Turkmen women scientists, teachers and businesswomen demonstrated a harmonious combination of innovation and national values.
Turkmenistan and Australia discussed prospects for bilateral relations
13.03.2026On 12 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Australian Ambassador to Turkmenistan (resident in Moscow) John William Geering. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Australia. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation, as well as expanding partnership in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. During the conversation, the diplomats exchanged views on a number of topical international and regional issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The importance of consolidating international efforts to ensure peace, security and stability in the region was emphasised. Ambassador John William Geering, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for its assistance in organising the transit of Australian citizens travelling from Iran. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue and further strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Australia.
Key priorities for Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS have been defined
13.03.2026The official website of the CIS Executive Committee has published the Concept of Turkmenistan's Chairmanship of the CIS for 2026 and the plan for its implementation, according to the news website Asmannews. The document defines five key priorities: strengthening peace and security, developing the economy and transport connectivity, digitalisation, the environmental agenda and humanitarian cooperation. In the political sphere, the emphasis is on maintaining regional stability and expanding diplomatic dialogue between the CIS countries. The economic section provides for the development of the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ transport corridors, deepening energy cooperation, and stimulating trade and investment. The environmental section includes joint projects in the field of renewable energy and adaptation to climate change. The plan for 2026 provides for 25 events, seven of which will take place in Turkmenistan. These include meetings of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in May, the Economic Council in September, the Council of Foreign Ministers and the CIS Council of Heads of State on 9 October in Awaza, as well as a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan discusses measures to protect agricultural landscapes from drought
13.03.2026An expert meeting on the adaptation of agro-ecological landscapes to arid conditions was held in Ashgabat with the support of the national branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). This was reported by the IIC. Scientists from the National Institute of Deserts, specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences, ecologists and representatives of international organisations took part in the discussion. The main focus was on finding practical solutions to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment caused by lack of rainfall. International experts, including representatives of the World Bank and the Water Institute, noted the transboundary nature of climate risks in the region. Given the dependence of economies on the water resources of large rivers such as the Amu Darya, it is important to plan investments in vulnerable sectors accurately and develop early warning systems based on satellite data. The need for long-term planning, taking into account rising average temperatures and changes in the hydrological regime, was discussed separately. The meeting participants proposed measures to modernise agricultural production and water use: the introduction of digital solutions in the water sector, the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and the breeding of drought-resistant crop varieties. The combination of traditional methods of folk hydrotechnics, including ‘underground irrigation,’ with the modernisation of water infrastructure was also considered. Following the meeting, proposals were prepared for further cross-sectoral cooperation within the framework of regional programmes. Experts emphasised that combining national efforts with international initiatives is an important condition for fulfilling the country's climate commitments and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's agro-industrial complex.
Turkmenistan and China discuss the role of women in society and innovation
12.03.2026The ‘Archabil’ Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a round table discussion entitled ‘Turkmenistan–China: Women and Society,’ organised by the Chinese Embassy and dedicated to the role of women in the economies and cultures of both countries. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Zhong Hua, Chargé d'Affaires, presented statistics on the modern role of women in China: the average life expectancy is 80 years, 46% of scientific and technical personnel are women, and more than half of Internet entrepreneurs are female. Particular attention was paid to last year's visit to China by a Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, which strengthened cooperation in protecting children's rights and supporting motherhood. China plans to train 50,000 women and launch 1,000 local social projects over the next five years. Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, gave a response speech, and the subsequent dinner turned into an exchange of success stories. The participants discussed a wide range of topics, from preserving national embroidery to achievements in aviation. Turkmen women scientists, teachers and businesswomen demonstrated a harmonious combination of innovation and national values.
Turkmenistan and Australia discussed prospects for bilateral relations
12.03.2026On 12 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov held a meeting with Australian Ambassador to Turkmenistan (resident in Moscow) John William Geering. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Australia. Particular attention was paid to strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation, as well as expanding partnership in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. During the conversation, the diplomats exchanged views on a number of topical international and regional issues. In particular, the situation in the Middle East was discussed. The importance of consolidating international efforts to ensure peace, security and stability in the region was emphasised. Ambassador John William Geering, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Turkmen side for its assistance in organising the transit of Australian citizens travelling from Iran. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in continuing constructive dialogue and further strengthening friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Australia.
Key priorities for Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS have been defined
12.03.2026The official website of the CIS Executive Committee has published the Concept of Turkmenistan's Chairmanship of the CIS for 2026 and the plan for its implementation, according to the news website Asmannews. The document defines five key priorities: strengthening peace and security, developing the economy and transport connectivity, digitalisation, the environmental agenda and humanitarian cooperation. In the political sphere, the emphasis is on maintaining regional stability and expanding diplomatic dialogue between the CIS countries. The economic section provides for the development of the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ transport corridors, deepening energy cooperation, and stimulating trade and investment. The environmental section includes joint projects in the field of renewable energy and adaptation to climate change. The plan for 2026 provides for 25 events, seven of which will take place in Turkmenistan. These include meetings of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in May, the Economic Council in September, the Council of Foreign Ministers and the CIS Council of Heads of State on 9 October in Awaza, as well as a meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan discusses measures to protect agricultural landscapes from drought
12.03.2026An expert meeting on the adaptation of agro-ecological landscapes to arid conditions was held in Ashgabat with the support of the national branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). This was reported by the IIC. Scientists from the National Institute of Deserts, specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences, ecologists and representatives of international organisations took part in the discussion. The main focus was on finding practical solutions to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment caused by lack of rainfall. International experts, including representatives of the World Bank and the Water Institute, noted the transboundary nature of climate risks in the region. Given the dependence of economies on the water resources of large rivers such as the Amu Darya, it is important to plan investments in vulnerable sectors accurately and develop early warning systems based on satellite data. The need for long-term planning, taking into account rising average temperatures and changes in the hydrological regime, was discussed separately. The meeting participants proposed measures to modernise agricultural production and water use: the introduction of digital solutions in the water sector, the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and the breeding of drought-resistant crop varieties. The combination of traditional methods of folk hydrotechnics, including ‘underground irrigation,’ with the modernisation of water infrastructure was also considered. Following the meeting, proposals were prepared for further cross-sectoral cooperation within the framework of regional programmes. Experts emphasised that combining national efforts with international initiatives is an important condition for fulfilling the country's climate commitments and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's agro-industrial complex.
Ashgabat and Ankara strengthen cooperation in the field of migration
12.03.2026A working meeting between representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and the Main Directorate of the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Turkey was held in the format of a video conference. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the talks, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of Turkmen-Turkish cooperation in the field of migration and exchanged views on key areas of interaction. The participants also noted the importance of joint work within international organisations and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries in the field of migration.
Turkmenistan strengthens its position in world equestrian sport through the FEI
12.03.2026A meeting was held in Lausanne between Vepa Hajiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ingmar De Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the Federation, according to IIC. The main topic of the talks was the expansion of strategic partnership in the field of equestrian sports and the inclusion of Turkmenistan in the calendar of major international competitions. The Turkmen side emphasised the significance of 2026, which has been declared the year of ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ in the country, and expressed interest in hosting prestigious show jumping tournaments under the auspices of the FEI. Special attention was paid to the development of the International Equestrian Academy: the parties discussed attracting experts from the federation to train professional staff and teachers. The prospect of holding one of the future FEI General Assemblies in Turkmenistan was also considered. The Turkmen delegation confirmed its participation in the next assembly, scheduled for December 2026 in Guangzhou. Strengthening cooperation with the FEI opens up new opportunities for the professional growth of Turkmen riders and the promotion of national cultural heritage on the international stage.
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