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The President of Turkmenistan addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
11.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 10 July, during which the country’s socio-economic development for the first half of 2026 was reviewed. This was reported by the online publication AsmanNews. The Head of State stated that GDP growth for the period stood at 6.3 per cent. Under the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and the Investment Programme for 2026’, 18.6 billion manats of capital investment was utilised, which is 4.3 per cent higher than the figure for the same period last year. Over the past six months, 309,000 square metres of housing have been completed in the country. Construction is continuing on industrial facilities, new settlements, schools, nurseries and other buildings. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the development of new industries, the growth in export potential, the introduction of digital technologies and efforts to ensure economic and financial stability. During his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed officials to prepare for international events in the second half of the year, including the Summit of Heads of State and other meetings in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS during Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth. The Head of State also instructed that preparations be made for the celebration of Turkmenistan’s Independence Day and Neutrality Day. In addition, instructions were given to establish an Organising Committee to prepare for the next session of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to determine the date and venue of the session, and to organise the nomination of citizens for state awards and honorary titles. During his address, the President of Turkmenistan instructed the heads of ministries and sectoral departments to hold meetings on 11 July to review the results of work for the first half of the year. Furthermore, heads of departments – with the exception of representatives of the agricultural sector and the velayats’ governors – are permitted to take annual leave from 1 August and spend it at the country’s health resorts and in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone.
Turkmenistan preserves its cultural heritage and promotes spiritual values
11.07.2026In Turkmenistan, the implementation of the state policy on the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of spiritual values continues. The motto for 2026 – ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ – reflects the country’s priorities regarding independence, permanent neutrality, the preservation of traditions and future development, reports the online news portal TerraNews. One of the key events showcasing the motto’s theme was Culture Week, held in the Balkan velayat. Representatives from the arts, academia and the general public took part in the events. The programme included concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, creative gatherings and academic events. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse — one of the symbols of Turkmenistan’s national heritage — took centre stage at the events. Particular attention is being paid to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses. The traditions of breeding and adorning Ahal-Teke horses are included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As part of Culture Week, works of art dedicated to Ahal-Teke horses were exhibited, whilst theatre companies drew on the national epic, in which the horse symbolises courage and loyalty. Participants at the meetings discussed the preservation of cultural traditions, their transmission to the younger generation and the application of modern technologies in the cultural sphere. The image of the ‘purposeful winged horse’ in the 2026 motto symbolises Turkmenistan’s development, including digital modernisation, the strengthening of international cooperation and the preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
The Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan met with the leadership of the IUHD
11.07.2026Martin Brook, Italy’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, visited the International University for the Humanities and Development, where he held a meeting with the rector and the university’s management. This was reported on the Turkmenportal website. During the negotiations, the parties discussed expanding scientific and educational cooperation, developing academic exchanges and implementing joint projects between universities in the two countries. Particular attention was paid to exchanging experience with Italian universities in the fields of the humanities, international relations, diplomacy and the global economy. The participants also discussed ways of promoting the Italian language, culture and history, as well as improving educational programmes. Martin Brook was appointed Italy’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan in April 2026, succeeding Luigi Ferrari in this post.
Volunteers are being trained in Turkmenistan ahead of the World Equestrian Games
11.07.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a practical training session for volunteers who will represent the country at the World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest in the Netherlands. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the training, participants learnt the basics of diplomatic protocol, international etiquette, and the rules for receiving official guests and accompanying foreign delegations at sports venues. The volunteers’ training has been organised jointly by the International Organisations Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, and the A. Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. The programme includes courses in English and German, veterinary science, the competition rules of the International Equestrian Federation, logistics and media relations. The World Equestrian Championships and the Ahal-Teke Horse Beauty Contest will take place on 4–6 September 2026 in Kronenberg (the Netherlands) at the Pilbergen Equestrian Centre.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed cooperation on migration
11.07.2026Sapar Palvanov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, held a meeting with Freddy Rosemont, Director-General of the Belgian Immigration Service. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between the immigration authorities of the two countries, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Particular attention was paid to the protection of citizens’ rights abroad, the exchange of expertise in the field of migration policy, and the strengthening of working relations between the relevant agencies. The possibility of drafting a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of migration was also considered. The Ambassador noted the increase in the international mobility of citizens and emphasised the importance of cooperation on issues relating to identity verification, the replacement of documents and consular assistance. The Belgian side expressed its readiness to develop cooperation, proposing to organise reciprocal visits by representatives of the two countries’ migration services to exchange experience. In addition, the participants discussed the possible simplification of visa procedures for holders of diplomatic and service passports in the context of developing Turkmenistan’s relations with the Benelux countries. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain contact and identify further areas of cooperation in the field of migration.
An initiative to improve children’s legal literacy has been implemented in Turkmenistan
11.07.2026More than 100 children from various regions of Turkmenistan took part in interactive sessions on children’s rights, held at summer camps in Turkmenabat, Tejen and the ‘Ýaşlyk’ centre in Gokdere. This was reported by the IIC. The initiative was organised by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education’s Innovation and Information Centre, the Ombudsman’s Office and UNICEF. Through games, group discussions and creative activities, the children learnt about the key provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to education, protection, participation and development. Participants also learnt about the work of national and international organisations in protecting children’s rights, and learnt how to express their opinions and respect the rights of others. UNICEF noted that such activities help children become more informed, confident and active members of society. The programme is being implemented as part of a partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan to support the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the National Action Plan for the Realisation of Children’s Rights for 2023–2028.
A Turkmen judoka has won two international tournaments
11.07.2026Turkmen judoka Maysa Pardayeva has won bronze and gold medals at two prestigious tournaments organised by the International Judo Federation (IJF), making a successful start to the Olympic qualification cycle for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At the ‘Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026’ tournament in Mongolia, the 21-year-old athlete took bronze in the under-57kg weight category. On her way to the medal, she defeated Kazakhstan’s Dana Abdirova, the 2024 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medallist Huh Mi-mi from the Republic of Korea, as well as the 2022 European champion Timna Nelson Levy from Israel. In the semi-final, Pardayeva lost to the eventual winner, Akari Omori from Japan, but went on to defeat France’s Faiza Mokdar in the bronze medal match. At the next tournament — the ‘Qingdao Grand Prix 2026’ in China — the Turkmen athlete won the gold medal. During the competition, she won six bouts, defeating opponents from China, Kosovo, Brazil, Spain, Japan and France. In the semi-final, Maysa proved stronger than five-time Grand Slam winner Momo Tamaoki, and in the final she defeated France’s Martha Fawaz. According to the athlete, her victory at the Grand Prix tournament marked the fulfilment of a long-held goal and provided her with additional motivation in her bid to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. Following the two tournaments, Maysa Pardayeva earned 1,200 IJF ranking points – 500 for her bronze medal in Mongolia and 700 for her victory in China. Both competitions were the first stages of qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Previously, the Turkmen judoka had won the Junior Asian Cup, taken silver at the European Cup and won bronze at the Asian Games. Her successful performances at the IJF tournaments have strengthened her position in the world rankings and boosted her chances of competing at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Turkmenistan is developing digital solutions in the field of population registration
11.07.2026A working meeting on the digitalisation of the civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system was held at the UN building in Ashgabat. This was reported by the IIC. The event was organised by the UNFPA Country Office in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the State Committee on Statistics as part of the work plans for 2026. Participants discussed international and regional experience in developing CRVS, improving data exchange between agencies, and introducing digital solutions into the demographic registration system. The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies in Turkmenistan, as well as experts from the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. During the discussion, issues relating to coordination between health, civil registration, statistics and home affairs authorities were examined, and further steps for the development of the digital population register were identified.
The Ahal-Teke riders from Turkmenistan are preparing to take part in the World Championships
11.07.2026Preparations for Ahal-Teke horses to compete in international events are continuing at the Ashgabat Equestrian Centre. In September, 30 racehorses will represent Turkmenistan in the Netherlands at the World Championships and the international beauty contest, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme also includes a performance by the ‘Galkynyş’ equestrian games troupe, which will put on an exhibition show for the audience. Preparations for the trip are taking place with state support, aimed at developing national horse breeding, preserving the traditions of breeding the Ahal-Teke breed and promoting it on the international stage.
A UN initiative to strengthen peace was discussed in the capital of Turkmenistan
11.07.2026A briefing for diplomats and media representatives was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat, focusing on the UN General Assembly resolution ‘International Decade for Reinforcing Peace for Future Generations’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document, initiated by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, was adopted on 25 June. The Resolution proclaims the years 2027–2036 as the International Decade for the Consolidation of Peace, the Promotion of Dialogue and Mutual Trust. Tajikistan’s Ambassador, Vafo Niyatbekzoda, noted that the initiative is aimed at preventing conflicts, increasing youth participation in decision-making and safeguarding the interests of future generations. The experience of Central Asian countries in the peaceful resolution of border issues was cited as an example of the implementation of these principles.
Turkmenistan is developing international cooperation in key areas
10.07.2026In June, Turkmenistan held a series of international negotiations, consultations, forums and meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation with foreign countries and international organisations. This was reported by the TDH news agency. On 3 June, a telephone conversation took place between the heads of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and Malaysia. The parties discussed the prospects for further partnership. On the same day, meetings were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with Dmitry Shlapachenko, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and Narine Sahakyan, the UNDP Resident Representative. Issues relating to cooperation with the UN were discussed, including Turkmenistan’s participation in UN Security Council meetings. Also on 3 June, as part of World Bicycle Day – proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan – documents were signed between the country’s government bodies and the UNDP. A meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the ‘US-Turkmenistan’ Business Council. The main focus was on developing contacts between the public and private sectors of the two countries. From 4 to 6 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the second session of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia in Tashkent. The event was attended by representatives of states, international organisations and think tanks. On 5 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Adil Kerimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The development of humanitarian cooperation was discussed. The Days of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Ashgabat and Arkadag from 5 to 7 June. On 8 June, a meeting was held with Sarah Rogers, US Under-Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. The parties discussed the development of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as cooperation within the ‘C5+1’ framework. On the same day, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund. Issues relating to cooperation with the IMF, Turkmenistan’s integration into the global economy and the process of accession to the World Trade Organisation were discussed. Also on 8 June, a high-level regional meeting was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. As part of the event, negotiations took place with the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, Robert Floyd, and representatives from Uzbekistan. On 9 June, the Foreign Affairs Ministry discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Korean relations with Jong Tae-in, Special Envoy of the Secretariat of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). On 10 June, a meeting took place with Maria Agren, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to Turkmenistan. The prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. On 12 June, a meeting was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with Mehdi Sobhani, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The parties discussed cooperation in areas of mutual interest. On the same day, the 13th meeting of the Turkmen-Austrian Joint Commission took place in Ashgabat. Participants discussed the development of trade and economic ties and cooperation between business communities. From 8 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB64) in Bonn. On 15–17 June, representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the 66th session of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in Vienna. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives and principles of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. From 16 to 18 June, a delegation from Turkmenistan took part in the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026). The focus was on energy, transport, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and investment cooperation. On 17–18 June, the first meeting of the Turkmen-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Ashgabat. Following the meeting, a corresponding Protocol was signed.
IUOG students are undertaking work placements in the UAE
10.07.2026From 1 to 10 July, students from the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas are undertaking a work-based learning placement in Abu Dhabi as part of the ‘Summer Energy Camp for International Students’ programme, organised by Khalifa University in the UAE. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The placement aims to familiarise students with the activities of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Khalifa University, as well as to study their expertise in the fields of education, science and oil and gas production. During the placement, students are studying modern technologies in the oil and gas sector and the application of artificial intelligence in the energy sector, whilst also familiarising themselves with the university’s research, laboratories, training centres and museums. The programme also includes visits to ADNOC’s production facilities, an aerospace laboratory, 3D printing laboratories and maintenance facilities. In addition, participants undertake short courses on renewable energy, well drilling, oil and gas engineering, and the properties of reservoir fluids. The knowledge and practical skills gained contribute to the professional training of future specialists in the oil and gas sector and to the development of cooperation between leading universities in Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.
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