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Turkmenistan was represented at a meeting on tax policy in Tokyo
06.03.2026Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Babaniyaz Yalakov took part in the ‘Tax and Development’ meeting organised as part of the ‘Platform for Collaboration on Tax’ initiative. The event was held on 2-3 March in Tokyo, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The above-mentioned initiative was created by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations. The event was attended by representatives of international financial organisations, heads of financial and tax authorities from various countries, as well as experts. Participants discussed improving tax policy, increasing the efficiency of tax systems, and developing international cooperation to support economic growth. Particular attention was paid to strengthening tax administration in developing countries, the use of digital technologies, and increasing the transparency of the economy. Following the meeting, proposals were put forward to expand information exchange and develop international cooperation in the tax sphere. Participants emphasised that such meetings contribute to the financial stability of states and stimulate economic development.
The Mejlis of Turkmenistan held an online meeting with Pakistani parliamentarians
06.03.2026On 5 March, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan held a video conference with female parliamentarians from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. During the meeting, the parties presented the priorities of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policy, and discussed the activities of the national parliament and cooperation with international organisations, including the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The participants emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue for strengthening bilateral relations. It was noted that the creation of parliamentary friendship groups contributes to the exchange of legislative experience and the development of parliamentary diplomacy. Pakistani MPs drew attention to the high level of representation of women in the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the role of young women in the system of public administration. Issues related to the promotion of gender equality and the protection of women's rights were also discussed. It was noted that Turkmenistan is implementing national action plans in the field of human rights, gender equality and the protection of children's rights in cooperation with the UN. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts between young and female parliamentarians to further develop cooperation.
Moscow discusses development of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Russia
06.03.2026On 5 March, Esen Aydogdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, held a meeting in Moscow with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main topic of the talks was the development of strategic partnership between the two countries and the implementation of Turkmenistan's programme for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The parties emphasised the important role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in strengthening relations between states. Particular attention was paid to the international agenda and Ashgabat's initiatives within the framework of its chairmanship of the Commonwealth. K. Kosachev highly appreciated the concept of the chairmanship prepared by Turkmenistan, noting its substance and expressing Russia's readiness to support the proposed initiatives, including at the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. The interlocutors also noted the steady development of bilateral cooperation, which covers the economic, political and humanitarian spheres.
Turkmen Ahal-Teke horses will compete on the world equestrian stage
06.03.2026In honour of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, there are plans to hold the ‘Amul-Hazar’ horse race, in which 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses from Ashgabat, Arkadag and other regions of the country will take part. The significant date will also be marked by festive competitions in equestrian complexes in the capital and velayats, as well as tourist horse rides through picturesque corners of the country, reports TDH. Throughout the year, the Turkmenistan delegation intends to participate in a number of international events related to horse breeding and equestrian sports. These include the prestigious Dubai World Cup 2026 in Dubai, the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 in the United Kingdom, the FEI World Championship 2026 in Aachen, Germany, the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth competition in the Netherlands, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Longchamp horse race in Paris and the Fieracavalli 2026 horse festival in Verona, Italy. Participation in equestrian competitions timed to coincide with the National Day of the United Arab Emirates is also planned. The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group will also continue its foreign tours. On 4 March, the group performed in Baku, where, as part of the visit of the Turkmen delegation, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of equestrian sports and horse breeding was signed between the ‘Türkmen atlary’ State Association and the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation. The group also plans to tour China in the future. In addition, Ahal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan will take part in international competitions and beauty contests abroad. In particular, these include the ‘The Pearl of the East’ equestrian competitions in Uzbekistan, the ‘Kurultaj’ festive events in Hungary and the Ahal-Teke horse beauty contest in the Netherlands.
Turkmenistan prepares international events and major projects for 2026
06.03.2026The year 2026 in Turkmenistan is marked by the slogan ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. It marks the 35th anniversary of the country's independence and continues the tradition of annually determining the symbol of the year and the priority areas of the state's development, according to TDH. Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale socio-economic programmes are being implemented in the country, aimed at strengthening the national economy and improving the standard of living of the population. As noted at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 February, a significant amount of work is planned to be carried out as part of the ‘Programme of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2026’. This year, the construction and commissioning of numerous social and industrial facilities is planned in Ashgabat and the velayats. These include modern residential buildings, educational institutions, shopping centres and other infrastructure facilities. In the capital, it is planned to open an International Paediatrics Centre, an International Scientific and Clinical Oncology Centre and a Dental Centre. A new 400-bed medical and health complex is planned to be commissioned at the ‘Archman’ sanatorium. The completion of the ‘Mary-Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat-Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway, as well as a number of energy and infrastructure facilities, is also planned. Significant investments will be directed towards the modernisation of transport, communications and engineering infrastructure, including the construction of roads, the development of communications systems, and water, gas and energy supply facilities. The year 2026 will also be filled with international events. Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States and will host a Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Special attention will be paid throughout the year to the development of horse breeding and the promotion of Ahal-Teke horses, which are a national treasure. International competitions, horse marathons, exhibitions, scientific conferences and cultural events are planned. Key events include the 16th meeting of the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association, the 18th International Scientific Conference ‘Türkmen bedewi we dünýäniň seýisçilik sungaty’ (‘Turkmen Horses and the World Art of Horse Breeding’) and the ‘Ýylyň iň owadan ahalteke bedewi’ (‘The Most Beautiful Ahal-Teke Horse of the Year’) competition. As part of the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of independence, there are also plans to hold the Amul-Hazar horse race, in which 35 riders on Ahal-Teke horses from different regions of the country will take part. Turkmen horse breeders and athletes are also scheduled to participate in a number of international events, including prestigious equestrian tournaments and exhibitions. The ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group will continue its international tour, whose performances at the world's largest circus venues contribute to the popularisation of the cultural heritage and traditions of Turkmen horse breeding. The planned events are intended to further strengthen international cooperation, develop cultural and sports diplomacy, and promote the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
Rashid Meredov left a message in the book of condolences at the Iranian Embassy
06.03.2026On 4 March, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ashgabat, where he left a message in the book of condolences opened in memory of Ayatollah Khamenei. This was reported by IIC. During the visit, the Head of the Foreign Ministry met with Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan, and personally expressed his condolences on the loss. It is reported that a book of condolences has also been opened at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Ashgabat. It began operating on 4 March and will be available for viewing for 10-15 days.
A student from Turkmenistan has developed a technology for producing dye from sulphur
06.03.2026Maral Gullyeva, a student at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, has developed a technology for obtaining a colouring agent from ordinary sulphur. The invention has been registered by the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The scientific work was carried out in the laboratory of the university's Faculty of Chemical Technology and Ecology. During the research, laboratory tests and experiments were conducted with sulphur extracted from the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. In the first stage, sulphuric acid was obtained from the raw material, then aluminium sulphate was formed as a result of its chemical interaction with aluminium. In the next stage, gypsum, lime and a number of other components were added to the resulting compound. As a result, colouring and adhesive substances were obtained. Tests have shown that the developed materials are highly resistant to destruction and have antiseptic properties. It has also been established that they are safe for living organisms and the environment. According to experts, the production of innovative colouring and adhesive substances can be economically profitable and does not require complex technological processes. The resulting products can be used in construction, as well as in the production of paper, leather, textiles and other industries. The development opens up new opportunities for sulphur processing and may contribute to the development of the oil, gas and chemical industries in Turkmenistan.
Artificial intelligence in Turkmenistan's digital development strategy
06.03.2026The introduction of modern digital technologies and scientific and technical solutions is an important condition for the development of Turkmenistan and improving the quality of life of the population. The development of science and technology remains one of the priority areas of the country's state policy, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In this context, the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026–2028’ is being implemented, aimed at developing digital infrastructure, improving the efficiency of public administration and the competitiveness of the economy. The programme provides for the introduction of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech and cloud computing. Artificial intelligence is a field of computer science that creates systems capable of analysing data, learning and making decisions based on complex algorithms. One of the key areas of AI is machine learning, which allows systems to improve based on the processing of large data sets. Today, artificial intelligence technologies are actively used in various fields. In logistics, they help predict demand, optimise routes and reduce environmental impact. In business and industry, AI is used for data analysis, improving management efficiency, quality control and predictive equipment maintenance. In healthcare, machine learning technologies help analyse medical data, improve diagnostics and develop new treatments. They are also used in biomedicine to search for new drugs and create antibodies. In the financial sector, AI is used to analyse risks, detect fraud and evaluate investment opportunities.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan strengthen cooperation in equestrian sports
06.03.2026On 4 March, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in equestrian sports and horse breeding was signed in Baku between the State Association ‘Türkmen Atlary’ and the Equestrian Sports Federation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The document was signed as part of a cultural programme held at the ‘Bina’ Equestrian Centre, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The agreement aims to develop bilateral cooperation in equestrian sports, exchange experience in horse breeding and strengthen professional contacts between relevant organisations in the two countries. The event was accompanied by a performance by the legendary National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’ from Turkmenistan. The renowned troupe, which was awarded the highest prize at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2025, presented its programme to the Azerbaijani public for the first time. The artists demonstrated complex elements of horse riding, acrobatic tricks and synchronised performances reflecting the traditions of the Turkmen school of horsemanship and the skill of the riders. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of riders carrying the national flags of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, symbolically emphasising the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The signing of the Memorandum was an important step in strengthening partnership in the field of equestrian sports and promoting national horse breeding traditions.
The Turkmen National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’ performed in Baku
06.03.2026On 4 March, a vibrant cultural evening featuring the Turkmen National Equestrian Games Group ‘Galkynysh’ took place at the ‘Bina’ Equestrian Centre in Baku. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The group, which received the highest award at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2025, performed its programme for the Azerbaijani public for the first time, demonstrating the skills of horsemen, acrobatic tricks and synchronised movements. The evening was also graced by performances by artists from the State Circus of Turkmenistan and the State Equestrian Circus named after Gorogly in the city of Arkadag with vivid acrobatic numbers reflecting national traditions and modern achievements of Turkmen art. The culmination was the appearance of horsemen with the flags of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, symbolising the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries. The event made an important contribution to the promotion of Turkmen cultural heritage abroad.
Turkmenistan is developing the port of Turkmenbashi as a key transport hub in the Caspian Sea region
05.03.2026Turkmenistan continues to develop the Caspian coast as a major logistics hub for Eurasia. On 3 March, a meeting was held in the port of Turkmenbashi with UNDP Permanent Representative Narine Sahakyan to discuss projects on digitalisation and environmental development of the port, according to the Orient news agency. The main focus was on the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) system and the modernisation of the Terminal Operating System (TOS). These solutions should simplify data exchange between services, speed up ship processing and increase the efficiency of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian route. The initiatives are planned to be submitted for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. At the same time, the environmental modernisation of the port continues. It already has ISO-14001 certification and ‘Eco-port’ status, and in the future, it plans to comply with the international ‘Green Port’ standards. The modernisation is already yielding results: in 2025, the port's cargo turnover grew by 15.2%. Turkmenbashi plays an important role in the ‘China-Europe’ and ‘North-South’ transport corridors, connecting the logistics routes of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan. An additional factor in its development has been the creation of its own shipbuilding industry. Two dry cargo ships and a dredger are being built at the ‘Balkan’ shipyard, with plans for three more dry cargo ships and two Ro-Ro ferries. Cooperation with South Korean companies is enabling the introduction of modern technologies and the formation of a national merchant fleet.
Turkmenistan has planned major energy projects for 2026
05.03.2026The construction of the ‘Mary-Mashhad’ 500/400 kV power line is included in the ‘Programme for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan and Investments in 2026’ and is considered one of the key projects in the energy sector. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’ with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The programme also provides for the transfer of gas turbine units at state power plants in the Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz and Lebap velayats to synchronous compensation mode. There are plans to build a new power plant and power lines in the Turkmenbashi etrap of the Balkan velayat, as well as to further develop the energy infrastructure of the city of Arkadag. In the oil and gas industry, the priorities for 2026 remain the search for new resources, increasing hydrocarbon reserves and drilling the first phase of production wells at the ‘Galkynysh’ field. One of the main projects will be the implementation of the ‘Serhetabat-Herat’ section, which is part of the TAPI gas pipeline system. In addition, the country plans to complete the construction and commissioning of a number of important transport infrastructure facilities.
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