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At the CICA summit, it was proposed to create the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue
16.10.2026On October 15, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed creating the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue — a multilateral platform for developing international environmental cooperation — at the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku. This is reported by the information agency «Turkmenistan: Golden Age». The head of state noted that climate change and environmental security remain pressing challenges. Turkmenistan advocates uniting countries' efforts in the rational use of water resources, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies and increasing the resilience of economies to climate change. The new platform will be aimed at exchanging experience and coordinating approaches to adapting to climate change, combating desertification and drought, the rational use of water resources and promoting «green» solutions. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov called on interested states and international partners to support the initiative and expressed readiness to develop joint environmental projects within the framework of the Organization.
Turkmenistan proposed intensifying dialogue on transport corridors
16.10.2026On October 15, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed developing dialogue on transport issues at the level of heads of relevant ministries at the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku. This was reported by the news agency «Turkmenistan: Golden Age». The head of state noted the need to effectively utilize the potential of the East – West and North – South transport corridors, expand international cooperation in logistics and simplify trade procedures. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, ministerial dialogue will make it possible to exchange experience, identify obstacles and develop practical recommendations taking into account the interests of the states concerned.
FC «Ahal» will play three matches in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League
16.10.2026The Turkmen football club “Ahal” will face Bhutanese club “Paro”, Syrian club “Al-Ittihad” and Lebanese club “Al-Ansar” in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League. Group A matches will take place from October 17–23 in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, at Changlimithang Stadium. This was reported by the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. “Ahal” will begin its campaign on October 17 with a match against “Paro”, play “Al-Ittihad” on October 20, and face “Al-Ansar” on October 23. All three opponents are the reigning champions of their respective countries, while the Turkmen team is participating in the tournament as the runner-up of Turkmenistan. The Bhutanese «Paro», founded in 2018, has become national champion six times, including in 2025. This season, the team reached the group stage of the AFC Challenge League by defeating Afghanistan's «Abu Muslim» 2:0. In August 2024, the club attracted the attention of the football community by inviting Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda for a single playoff match. The Syrian «Al-Ittihad» was founded in 1949. The team has won the national championship eight times, lifted the Syrian Cup ten times and became the AFC Cup winner in 2010. Lebanese club Al-Ansar from Beirut was founded in 1951. The club has won 16 league titles, 16 Lebanese Cups, six Super Cups and two Football Association Cups. The team also set a record by winning 11 consecutive matches in the national championship. The AFC Challenge League is the third most prestigious club tournament of the Asian Football Confederation. The updated competition format has been in effect since the 2024/25 season. Twenty teams take part in the main stage, and the group-stage matches are played in a centralized format. Each participant is guaranteed to receive 100 thousand US dollars. Eight teams will advance to the quarter-finals — four each from the West and East zones. The matches at this stage are scheduled for March 2027, the semi-finals — for April, and the final — for May 8. Turkmen clubs won the AFC President's Cup, the predecessor of the tournament, twice: Balkan in 2013, MTTU in 2014.
Turkmenistan and the Philippines discussed the development of bilateral cooperation
16.10.2026On October 15, political consultations were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with the participation of representatives of the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Philippines. The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and cultural and humanitarian spheres, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov, the Philippine delegation — by Deputy Secretary for Political Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs Leo M. Herrera-Lim. The participants of the meeting discussed the development of political-diplomatic dialogue, the expansion of trade-economic ties and the strengthening of cultural-humanitarian contacts. Particular attention was paid to cooperation within international organizations, including the UN, as well as current regional and international issues. The parties also discussed strengthening the legal framework of bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation in energy, maritime transport, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. In the field of education, the importance of expanding academic contacts and exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries was noted. Following the consultations, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further developing friendly relations based on mutual respect and consideration of the interests of Turkmenistan and the Philippines.
Turkmen meteorologists studied the use of satellite data in Germany
16.10.2026Representatives of Turkmenistan’s Hydrometeorological Service and the Ministry of Environmental Protection visited Darmstadt, Germany, on October 14–15 for a study visit. The trip was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance meteorologists’ professional skills. Thıs was reported by Turkmenportal. During the visit, the delegation toured the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and the German Meteorological Service (DWD). At EUMETSAT headquarters, participants learned about the network of Satellite Application Facilities (SAFs) and the organization’s products for atmospheric monitoring. At DWD, Turkmen specialists explored practical methods for using Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite imagery for operational weather forecasting, as well as techniques for configuring imagery and related products. Discussions also covered data delivery, user engagement and technical support. Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Head of the Economic and Environmental Department at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said the visit aimed to strengthen Turkmen meteorologists’ expertise in data processing and the use of modern technologies for early warning systems. The programme also sought to promote the exchange of international experience. The visit was part of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat’s efforts to address environmental and climate challenges, improve early warning systems and promote sustainable environmental management.
Baker Hughes will be a silver sponsor of OGT 2026 in Ashgabat
16.10.2026Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, will be a silver sponsor of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026,” to be held in Ashgabat on October 21–23. The company will showcase its international expertise in field development, gas infrastructure development and improving the efficiency of energy facilities, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Baker Hughes provides equipment and services for the oil and gas industry at every stage of field development, from resource assessment and drilling to production and well servicing. The company operates both onshore and offshore, including in the Caspian Sea. In Turkmenistan, Baker Hughes also supplies turbocompressor equipment for gas transportation. One example of the company's technology in use is the gas lift station at the Keymir field. Another area of the company's business involves equipment for gas production, transportation, liquefaction, storage and distribution. These solutions support energy infrastructure and projects aimed at improving the efficiency of industrial processes. Baker Hughes' technology portfolio includes digital tools for industrial asset management and solutions designed to reduce emissions. These include methane emissions monitoring technologies, hydrogen solutions, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies. The company's participation in OGT 2026 will contribute to professional discussions on the development of Turkmenistan's oil and gas sector, the modernization of production facilities and the adoption of advanced engineering solutions.
The delegation of Turkmenistan participated in the session of the UNHCR Executive Committee
16.10.2026From October 12 to 16, 2026, the 77-th session of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was held in Geneva. The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by A. Sazakov, Chairman of the State Migration Service, accordıng to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. On October 12 at the plenary session the head of the Turkmen delegation delivered a speech in which he emphasized the priority importance of the humanitarian dimension in the state policy of the country. Participants in the session were also presented with information on the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Eradication of Statelessness and the initiative of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to declare 2028 the Year of International Law. On October 15 A. Sazakov met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Saleh. The parties discussed long-standing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Barham Saleh noted the experience of Turkmenistan in Central Asia in eradicating statelessness and granting citizenship to persons, who are in need of protection.
The President of Turkmenistan arrived in Yerevan to participate in COP17
16.10.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the capital of Armenia to participate in a meeting of heads of state and government held as part of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Thıs was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. At Yerevan International Airport, Serdar Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The trip to Armenia took place after the completion of Serdar Berdimuhamedov's working visit to Azerbaijan, where the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held.
Turkmenistan presented initiatives to develop cooperation in Asia
16.10.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov spoke on October 15 at the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, presenting initiatives in the areas of international law, transport, digitalization, ecology and youth diplomacy. This was reported by the TDH news agency. During his speech, the head of state emphasized the importance of CICA for strengthening peace, security and trust in Asia, as well as the need to comply with international law and the UN Charter. Turkmenistan proposed declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, and 2027–2037 the UN Decade of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy. The role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, located in Ashgabat, was also noted. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov advocated the development of the East–West and North–South routes, the expansion of multimodal transport and the simplification of trade procedures. Among Turkmenistan's initiatives are the development of a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity and the establishment of routes providing Central and South Asia with access to European markets via the Caspian Sea. The President also proposed developing a ministerial dialogue on transport issues within the framework of CICA. Turkmenistan also proposed developing an International Code for the Peaceful Use of Artificial Intelligence in International Relations and Diplomacy. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the application of advanced technologies should be based on international law and take into account the interests of all states. In addition, the head of state put forward an initiative to establish the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue — a multilateral platform for exchanging experience and coordinating approaches to climate change adaptation, combating desertification and drought, the rational use of water resources and promoting “green” solutions. In the humanitarian sphere, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of academic exchanges and youth cooperation. As a practical step, the establishment of a Network of Young Ambassadors of Trust was proposed to promote peace, tolerance and intercultural dialogue. Turkmenistan, which holds observer state status in the CICA, reaffirmed its readiness to continue participating in the promotion of initiatives aimed at developing multilateral cooperation in Asia.
The head of Turkmenistan took part in the CICA summit in Baku
16.10.2026On October 15 President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed on a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan to participate in the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)». This is reported by the TDH news agency. At the Baku Congress Center, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, warmly welcomed the President of Turkmenistan. Following the joint photo ceremony of the heads of delegations, the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia was held. Opening the meeting, Ilham Aliyev thanked the participants for their visit and expressed confidence that the Summit would contribute to the development of international cooperation. In his speech Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the Azerbaijani side for organizing the event and for its hospitality. The head of state noted the role of CICA in strengthening peace, security, trust and sustainable development in Asia, and also assessed Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the organization. The President of Turkmenistan addressed issues of international law, regional security, transport-logistics cooperation, digitalization and the peaceful use of artificial intelligence, ecology and the rational use of water resources. The head of state also outlined the initiatives of Turkmenistan in the areas of preventive diplomacy, climate cooperation and the development of youth diplomacy. Summit participants discussed strengthening trust measures, adaptation to climate change, development of transport corridors, coordination of logistics strategies, food security, environmental sustainability and digital transformation. The working visit of Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan continues.
Turkmenistan calls for international rules on AI regulation
15.10.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed developing an international code on artificial intelligence at the plenary session of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku. The head of state emphasized the need for coordinated international standards and responsible partnerships amid the rapid development of digital technologies, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. In his speech, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that digital solutions open up new opportunities for global economic growth. At the same time, the development of modern technologies requires international cooperation and the development of common approaches. The President of Turkmenistan also spoke positively of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the CICA. Among the key conditions for overcoming current geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, the head of state highlighted compliance with international law and the UN Charter. In this context, Serdar Berdimuhamedov recalled Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law. Particular attention was paid to preventive diplomacy and the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, located in Ashgabat. Another topic of the speech was the development of international trade and transport and logistics links. The President of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of improving the reliability of logistics, strengthening transport chains, developing existing routes, including the North — South and East — West directions, as well as exchanging experience in this area.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a trilateral meeting in Baku
15.10.2026On October 15, 2026, a meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was held in Baku. The talks took place on the sidelines of the VII Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by Turkmenistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The parties discussed the regional and international agenda, the development of friendly relations and the expansion of trilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to strengthening trade and economic ties, transport and transit cooperation, and logistics infrastructure. The importance of developing international transport corridors linking Central Asia with the Caucasus and other regions of the world was also noted.
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