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Turkmenistan and UNICEF discussed human capital development and support for young people
12.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, held a meeting with Octavian Bivol, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for joint work in the areas of human capital development, the protection of children’s rights, support for young people and the improvement of social policy. During the meeting, it was emphasised that Turkmenistan regards cooperation with the UN and its specialised agencies as an important component of its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants paid particular attention to investment in education, healthcare and social protection for children and young people as key factors for long-term socio-economic development. Octavian Bivol noted that more than half of Turkmenistan’s population is under 30, describing this as a significant advantage for the country’s future development. The parties agreed that supporting the younger generation would enable this demographic potential to be utilised as effectively as possible. A UNICEF initiative to hold a presentation in Brussels of the regional report ‘Generation 2050 in Central Asia’ was also discussed. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan supported this idea, proposing that the event be used as a platform for dialogue between the countries of Central Asia, European Union institutions, international financial organisations and development partners on issues relating to investment in human capital and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to further develop their partnership and implement joint regional initiatives.
A school pupil from Turkmenistan has won a prize at the IMEC Olympiad
12.07.2026Nuryagdy Meredov, a Year 3 pupil at Ashgabat Specialised Secondary School No. 130, won a silver medal at the ‘International Mathematics Excellence Competition’ (IMEC), which took place from 26 to 30 June 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Turkmen schoolboy came second in the ‘logical mathematics’ category. Pupils from 22 countries took part in the competition. IMEC 2026 is open to primary and secondary school pupils. The competition aims to foster an interest in mathematics, as well as logical and analytical thinking, among schoolchildren.
Preparations are underway in Turkmenistan for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan
12.07.2026The next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan will take place during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced this at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At this nationwide forum, the country’s development achievements will be reviewed and key objectives for the further development of the sovereign state will be set. The President of Turkmenistan has instructed that the meeting be organised to a high standard. The Mejlis and the Halk Maslahaty, together with the Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, governors and civil society organisations, have been tasked with beginning preparations for the forum, as well as forming and approving the composition of the organising committee responsible for convening it.
Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector has set out its development objectives
12.07.2026On 11 July, a review meeting was held at the Central Building of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas complex to discuss the sector’s performance in the first half of the year. Participants discussed the tasks set for the oil and gas sector by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 July, according to the online news site AsmanNews. G. Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, highlighted the main areas of development for the sector, including the modernisation of production facilities, the introduction of modern technologies and the improvement of operational efficiency at enterprises. Reports on the results of operations over the past six months were presented by the heads of the State Concerns ‘Türkmennebit’, ‘Türkmengaz’, the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’, as well as representatives of associations and enterprises within the sector. Particular attention was paid to the construction of the ‘Serhetabat–Herat’ gas pipeline, which forms part of the Trans-Afghan Gas Pipeline project ‘Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India’ (TAPI). During the meeting, tasks were discussed relating to increasing oil and gas production, expanding export volumes, modernising enterprises, carrying out geological exploration, developing new fields and promoting the production of environmentally friendly products. G. Agajanov emphasised the need to monitor the implementation of major projects, introduce digital technologies and meet production targets. Following the meeting, tasks were set for the State Concerns ‘Türkmennebit’, ‘Türkmengaz’, the State Corporation ‘Türkmengeologiýa’.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan discussed measures to develop the country’s legal system
12.07.2026On 11 July, a meeting was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to review the results of work carried out during the first half of 2026. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. The participants discussed the results of the implementation of tasks to improve the legal framework for socio-economic reforms, and also expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for signing the Law ‘On the establishment of the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan “Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja”’. During the reporting period, amendments were made to legislation aimed at protecting citizens’ rights, enhancing industrial safety, improving the financial system, and regulating licensing, road transport, environmental protection and the work of the migration service. Particular attention was paid at the meeting to preparations for the session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, as well as to the participation of deputies in state and international events marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 2026 motto. The importance of international parliamentary cooperation, the exchange of experience with foreign colleagues and informing the global community about Turkmenistan’s achievements was emphasised. Following the meeting, the MPs reaffirmed their readiness to continue working to improve national legislation and enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary activities.
309,000 square metres of housing were built in Turkmenistan in six months
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stated that the results for the first half of the year demonstrate the successful implementation of socio-economic development programmes and the utilisation of investments. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. According to the Head of State, GDP growth of 6.3 per cent was driven by high levels of construction and investment activity. Between January and June, 309,000 square metres of housing were completed in the velayats, cities and etraps. During the reporting period, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was channelled into the country’s economy and infrastructure, which is 4.3 per cent more than in the previous year. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, modern housing estates, schools, nurseries and other social institutions.
Turkmenistan is preparing for the CIS summit and international meetings
12.07.2026At an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, set out the main foreign policy objectives for the second half of the year, instructing officials to ensure that international events are organised to a high standard. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the priorities are the Summit of Heads of State and other international events in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone, as well as the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In connection with Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States this year, the President also instructed that the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS be held at a high level. Furthermore, the Head of State emphasised the need for thorough preparations for the celebrations of Independence Day and the Day of Neutrality of the Motherland, during which international meetings and other events are planned.
Research findings in the field of demography were presented in Ashgabat
12.07.2026A conference marking World Population Day was held in Ashgabat. The event, organised in collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Turkmenistan, focused on demographic trends, sustainable development and gender equality, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Participants discussed global changes in fertility rates, the findings of the MICS7 programme, a study on the population’s reproductive intentions, and the implementation of national initiatives in the field of human rights. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties outlined further areas for cooperation in the field of demographic policy.
A new commemorative medal has been established in Turkmenistan to mark the anniversary of independence
12.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has signed a Law establishing the commemorative medal ‘Türkmenistanyň Garaşsyzlygynyň 35 ýyllygyna bagyşlanyp geçirilen dabaraly harby ýörişe gatnaşyja’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The new award is intended for military personnel and members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who have distinguished themselves in defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and constitutional order, as well as those who have contributed to the preparation and conduct of the celebratory military parade. The law came into force on the day of its signing. The medal is designed as a gold-plated octagon featuring elements of state symbolism, images of a map of Turkmenistan, the Independence Monument and the ‘Arkadag’ monument, as well as the commemorative inscription ‘XXXV’.
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation in equestrian sports
11.07.2026On 10 July, Batyr Rejepov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, met with Rustam Bayaliyev, President of the Equestrian Federation of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, the Ambassador extended an invitation to Rustam Bayaliyev to attend as a guest of honour at the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest, which will take place on 4–6 September in Kronenberg (the Netherlands). The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of equestrian sports, the preservation and promotion of national horse-breeding traditions, as well as the development of cooperation between relevant organisations in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Turkmenistan has seen an increase in the performance indicators of its oil and gas sector
11.07.2026The ‘Türkmennebit’ State Concern fulfilled its oil production target by 108.3 per cent, whilst the Concern’s oil refineries fulfilled their oil refining target by 104.1 per cent. This was reported on 10 July during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Agajanov, who presented a report on the results of efforts to increase oil and gas production, as well as to expand supply routes to global markets for the period January–June 2026. According to the news agency TDH, it was noted that petrol production stood at 116 per cent of the target, diesel fuel at 111.4 per cent, polypropylene at 100 per cent, lubricating oils at 119.4 per cent, and liquefied gas at 118.5 per cent. The production target for natural gas and associated gas was met at 107.6 per cent.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan has presented a report on its work for the first half of 2026
11.07.2026Between January and June 2026, Turkmenistan hosted 373 foreign delegations, whilst 693 delegations were sent abroad. During this period, 253 online meetings and 1,205 official negotiations were held with representatives of foreign states and international organisations. This was reported by the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, R. Meredov, at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on 10 July, according to TDH. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that 101 documents had been added to the international legal framework for cooperation. Furthermore, during the reporting period, the ministry continued its work on implementing the foreign policy of neutral Turkmenistan, aimed at developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign states and international organisations. During the first six months of the year, overseas visits were organised for the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as visits by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. As part of international cooperation, the Hero Arkadag held meetings with the heads of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Leaders of a number of international organisations also visited Turkmenistan. During Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, meetings of the Commonwealth’s bodies are being held in the country. On 22 May, a meeting of the CIS Heads of Government took place in Ashgabat, attended by the heads of government of the Commonwealth countries. During the reporting period, political consultations were held with the foreign ministries of Austria, the UAE, the UK, China, Kazakhstan, the USA, India, Morocco, Russia, Germany, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Uganda, the Republic of Korea, Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia and Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan also held negotiations with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation. Work continued on strengthening diplomatic ties. Over the course of six months, letters of credence were received from new Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from a number of countries, including Chad, Indonesia, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Argentina, Egypt and Finland. Turkmenistan’s new representatives have taken up their posts in Thailand, the United States, Ireland, as well as at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Summing up the report, the Head of State emphasised the importance of further developing international cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian, and scientific and educational spheres. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been instructed to prepare for the planned international events and ensure they are organised to a high standard.
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