News
Turkmenistan presented an updated strategy for nature conservation
09.01.2026Ashgabat has completed the development of an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, taking into account the experience of previous programmes and Turkmenistan's commitments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by IIC. The main innovation will be the electronic reporting format: The seventh national report will be presented via a digital platform for the first time. The strategy adapts the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework to national conditions. The priorities are combating desertification, biological protection of plants, control of invasive species and conservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated flora. There are plans to expand the network of specially protected natural areas (currently 4.38% of the country's territory), including the opening of the Greater Balkan Nature Reserve and several wildlife sanctuaries in the Koytendag, Gaplangyr and Amudarya regions. The BIOFIN project, in collaboration with the GEF and UNDP, analysed the financing of environmental protection measures: currently, 99% of the costs are covered by the state budget, which is allocated to laboratories, equipment for inspectors and the infrastructure of nature reserves. In the future, it is planned to involve business, young people and science in environmental initiatives. Work on the strategy was carried out throughout 2025 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and takes into account the link with the National Adaptation Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach will strengthen legislation and balance economic growth with the protection of natural ecosystems.
Mergen Orazov has begun preparing FC ‘Arkadag’ for the AFC Champions League play-offs
09.01.2026Renowned Turkmen football expert Mergen Orazov has returned from Europe and taken charge of ‘Arkadag’ Football Club. In February, the team will play decisive matches in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, according to IIC. Orazov's return is a significant event for Turkmen football. The coach is known as a successful specialist at club and international level, and his European experience is seen as an important factor in preparing the team to face one of the strongest clubs in the region. The coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ is currently focusing on tactics, the physical condition of the players and studying the opponent. ‘Al-Nassr’ has a strong line-up and extensive experience of playing on the continental stage, which requires a high level of concentration and discipline from the Turkmen team. For ‘Arkadag’, participation in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs is an important step in the club's development and a chance to make a name for itself on the Asian football scene. The appointment of M. Orazov underscores the seriousness of the team's tasks ahead of the February matches.
Paryzdepe reveals the secrets of millennia: ancient artefacts of Turkmenistan
09.01.2026In the Ahal velayat, the results of the 2025 field season at the Paryzdepe site have been summarised. Archaeologists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have discovered artefacts of exceptional historical value here, exploring cultural layers to a depth of nine metres, according to IIC. At the level of the 18th archaeological tier, layers from the Eneolithic period (5th-4th millennium BC) were identified, confirming that the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains were one of the oldest centres of human civilisation with a developed culture and way of life. Among the finds, a ceramic vessel of the Anau culture with geometric ornamentation occupies a special place, impressing with its artistic perfection and preserving a connection with contemporary Turkmen art. A clay spindle whorl was also discovered, evidence of a developed weaving craft, complementing data on cattle breeding and textile production in the fifth millennium BC. Excavations at Paryzdepe continue, revealing new pages in the history of Turkmenistan. Each artefact helps to understand the formation of national identity and cultural heritage, and the results of the research will form the basis for new academic publications confirming the importance of Turkmenistan as the historical centre of the Great Silk Road.
Turkmen university holds online lecture on the role of the UN in the world
09.01.2026The International University for the Humanities and Development hosted an online lecture by Dr. Pierre Fabien Nkot from the University of Yaoundé II (Cameroon) on the role of the UN in modern international relations. This was reported by the IIC. The lecturer noted Turkmenistan's peacekeeping initiatives and the philosophy of ‘Dialogue is the guarantee of peace,’ emphasising that the country's neutrality is an example of the implementation of the UN's goals. During the meeting, reforms of international institutions, the adaptation of security mechanisms and the prospects for regional cooperation were discussed. Students and teachers had the opportunity to directly discuss current issues of global governance, consolidating their knowledge of international law and diplomatic ethics. The university management confirmed its intention to continue distance lectures with the participation of foreign experts in order to broaden scientific horizons and strengthen a culture of mutual understanding.
Turkmen wrestlers presented a calendar of international tournaments
09.01.2026Turkmen wrestlers will take part in a number of major international tournaments in 2026, according to the news website AsmanNews. The season will open with the Asian Championships for adults in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (6–12 April), followed by the U-17 and U-23 tournaments in Danang, Vietnam (23–31 May). In the summer, the world championships will be held: the U-17 in Baku, Azerbaijan (27 July–2 August) and the U-20 in Bratislava, Slovakia (17–23 August). In the autumn, athletes will compete in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (30 September–3 October) and the U-23 World Championships in Las Vegas, USA (12–18 October). The season will close with the World Championships in Manama, Bahrain (24 October–1 November).
A book by the President of Turkmenistan was presented in Bucharest
08.01.2026On 7 January, at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Romania, a presentation of the book by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ‘Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust,’ was held. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants emphasised that the publication is dedicated to the history and contemporary significance of the policy of permanent neutrality, its legal and political foundations, as well as Turkmenistan's role in strengthening regional and global stability. The event featured an exhibition of books by Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, reflecting the country's achievements during the years of independence. Turkmen students and representatives of the diaspora in Romania took part in the presentation. The organisers noted that the meeting contributed to the promotion of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and the strengthening of ties with compatriots abroad.
Ashgabat to host international exhibitions in the field of agriculture and food industry
08.01.2026The international exhibitions ‘AGRO PACK TURKMENISTAN 2026’ and ‘Food Turkmenistan 2026’ will be held in Ashgabat from 12 to 14 May 2026. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The exhibitions will feature equipment and technologies for food and beverage production, packaging solutions, food ingredients, as well as developments for the baking and hospitality industries. A separate section will be dedicated to the agro-industrial sector: technologies for greenhouse farming, horticulture and forestry, grain storage systems, milling equipment, and solutions for poultry and livestock farming. Participants will also showcase agricultural products, seeds, fertilisers, plant protection products and irrigation systems. As noted, 75 companies from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey and Turkmenistan took part in the 2024 exhibitions. In 2026, the geography and scale of the event is expected to expand, with more than 120 companies confirming their participation.
The ‘Dokma’ online platform brings together products from national textile brands
08.01.2026The ‘Dokma’ trading platform offers a range of textile products from Turkmen manufacturers. The online catalogue includes clothing for men, women and children, as well as footwear and accessories, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The catalogue features products from the ‘Bedew’, ‘Nusaý’, ‘Goza’, ‘Gala’, ‘Mäne’, ‘Jeýtun’, ‘Bürgüt’ and ‘Ýeňiş’ brands, as well as products from the country's largest enterprises under the ‘Made in Turkmenistan’ brand. The website is adapted for use on various devices. The navigation allows you to quickly find products and place orders online. Each item is accompanied by photos, including a zoom function, and a description indicating the materials, sizes and characteristics. The range also includes bedding, towels and bathrobes. The information in the catalogue is regularly updated. Placing an order takes a few minutes. Delivery in Ashgabat is free of charge, and goods can be shipped to all velayats of the country. The development of the ‘Dokma’ platform is aimed at expanding online sales of domestic textile products and reflects the transition of enterprises in the industry to digital formats of trade.
The symbolism of the 2026 motto: the role of Ahal-Teke horses
08.01.2026The Mejlis of Turkmenistan has approved the motto for 2026: ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. The decision coincides with the start of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The symbolism of the motto is linked to national values and objectives defined by state programmes. The image of the Ahal-Teke horse traditionally occupies a special place in the culture of Turkmenistan and is considered an element of historical heritage and national identity. The country pays attention to the development of horse breeding and equestrian sports, the training of specialists in this field and the expansion of international cooperation in this area. The activities of the International Association of Breeding of Ahal-Teke Horses, headquartered in Ashgabat, are aimed at preserving the breed's gene pool and implementing scientific projects with foreign partners. An important milestone was the inclusion of the nomination ‘Art of Ahal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses' decoration’ in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made in December 2023 at a session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee. The city of Arkadag is home to the Scientific and Production Laboratory of Horse Breeding and the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding. Their activities are focused on scientific research, educational programmes and the training of a new generation of specialists. The motto for 2026 reflects the priorities of Turkmenistan's internal development and foreign humanitarian policy, combining a reference to historical traditions with the tasks of modern development.
Official online resource launched for the Fund to Help Children in Need of Care
08.01.2026The official website of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship has been launched. The online resource was launched to increase the transparency of the Foundation's activities and expand access to information about its humanitarian initiatives, according to IIC. The official website contains information about the Fund's mission and priorities, ongoing programmes, charitable events and achievements. Users can access news, reports and information about current initiatives. The resource is available in Turkmen, Russian and English. The launch of the website is seen as an additional tool for interacting with the public, partners and international organisations, as well as a step towards the further development of charitable activities in the field of child protection.
Turkmenistan to increase fertiliser exports through new gas chemical complex
08.01.2026Turkmenistan continues to build up the potential of its oil and gas chemical industry, consistently developing a large industrial centre of regional significance in the Balkan velayat. The next stage of this strategy was the start of construction of a new urea production plant in the Turkmenbashi etrap, according to IIC. The planned capacity of the future plant will be 1.155 million tonnes of urea per year. Leading technology companies from Japan and Turkey are involved in the construction, which will involve the use of modern innovative solutions and compliance with high environmental standards. Completion of construction and commissioning of the plant are scheduled for February 2030. The new facility will continue the success of the ‘Garabogazkarbamid’ plant, which has been operating since 2018 and focuses on the export of high-quality chemical products. The project is of significant socio-economic importance. Its implementation will contribute to an increase in foreign exchange earnings, the creation of hundreds of new jobs, the development of infrastructure and an improvement in the standard of living of the population of Balkan velayat. Particular attention is being paid to the involvement of young people and the training of skilled personnel for the high-tech sector. The construction of the new gas chemical complex reflects the state's policy of industrialisation and the production of high value-added products. It will be another contribution to strengthening the economic sustainability of Turkmenistan and expanding international cooperation, including in the field of global food security.
Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed plans for bilateral cooperation in 2026
08.01.2026On 7 January, Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the further implementation of joint measures to develop bilateral cooperation in the new year were discussed. The parties paid special attention to preparations for the sixth meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Pakistani Inter-governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, political consultations at the level of foreign ministers, and the Turkmen-Pakistani Business Forum. In addition, they discussed the organisation of visits at the highest state level scheduled for the current year. They also reviewed a list of bilateral documents planned for signing in 2026.
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