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Turkmenistan is promoting an initiative to combat desertification within ESCAP
25.04.2026On the sidelines of the 82nd session of ESCAP in Bangkok, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Perhat Yagshiev met with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics connectivity, energy, digitalization, and trade. They also considered the preparation of the third Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, scheduled for 2027. ESCAP confirmed its readiness to provide advisory support in this work. The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification in Ashgabat as a specialized ESCAP institution for Central Asian countries was also discussed. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana highly praised Turkmenistan’s international engagement, including the hosting of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Avaza.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan met with the IMF Executive Director
25.04.2026On April 22, at the IMF headquarters, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the United States, Esen Aydogdyev, met with the IMF Executive Director Patrick Lejewski, according to the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The two sides discussed cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Fund, including technical coordination with the country’s state financial institutions, and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue. Particular attention was paid to strengthening technical coordination between the IMF and Turkmenistan’s state financial institutions.
The delegation of Turkmenistan addressed the 82nd ESCAP session in Bangkok
25.04.2026The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Bangkok, according to the press service of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the sidelines of the session, a ministerial meeting of the participating countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held. A joint statement was adopted following the meeting. Participants discussed the “SPECA Development Concept until 2030,” as well as issues of transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and digitalization. Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to participate in projects of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Addressing the ESCAP session, the head of the Turkmen delegation presented an initiative to establish a Regional Center for Combating Desertification for Central Asian countries as a specialized ESCAP institution. Initiatives by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, aimed at strengthening the region’s climate resilience were also promoted. The 83rd ESCAP session will be held in Shanghai from April 26 to 30, 2027.
The delegation of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to MGIMO University
25.04.2026On April 21–22, a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, visited Moscow. During the visit, Gulshat Yusupova met with Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University, and Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the School of International Relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation under the agreement signed by the two universities in October 2017. The agenda included student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint programs in international relations and energy diplomacy. A meeting was also held with Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The interlocutors discussed the Turkmen-Russian strategic dialogue, noting the productive partnership in the fields of education and science. On April 22, MGIMO hosted a roundtable on academic cooperation between the two countries. It was attended by members of MGIMO’s leadership and faculty, experts, as well as students from Turkmenistan and MGIMO students studying the Turkmen language. The discussion focused on academic mobility, joint educational programs, research cooperation, and the publication of a Turkmen language textbook. Following the meeting, the parties outlined concrete steps to implement the agreements reached.
Turkmenistan and Argentina discussed the development of bilateral relations
25.04.2026On April 24, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Turkmenistan, Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieira (with residence in Moscow). This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the ambassador presented copies of his credentials and confirmed his readiness to work on developing Turkmen–Argentine cooperation. The sides discussed the bilateral agenda, including political and diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They also expressed interest in mutually supporting initiatives within the framework of the UN and UNESCO.
President of Turkmenistan held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting
25.04.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a Cabinet of Ministers meeting via videoconference on April 24. The agenda included a number of public administration issues, AsmanNews reports. Chairperson of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova reported on the preparation of new draft laws: on establishing a jubilee medal for the 35th anniversary of independence, on state registration of real estate rights, as well as amendments to the Customs Code. Work is also underway on Turkmenistan’s accession to a number of international documents. A Mejlis delegation took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, as well as in the first meeting of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradov reported on measures to support agricultural producers, including financing projects in livestock breeding, poultry farming, and processing. The President approved the proposal to financially stimulate the sector and issued relevant instructions. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Guvanch Agajanov reported on the modernization of the Seydi oil refinery. The head of state approved the proposal and instructed that the necessary work be carried out. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atahallyev reported on the progress of cotton sowing, wheat care, and preparations for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse. The President instructed that sowing be completed on time and that a high level of festive events be ensured. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramguly Annammammedov then reported on preparations in Ashgabat for the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, including park improvements, landscaping, and the decoration of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Nokerguly Atagulyev reported on the development of the textile industry. The head of state instructed the launch of new wool yarn production at the textile complex in Bayramaly, Mary Province. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bahar Seyidova presented an events plan for May: Victory Day, Constitution and State Flag Day, Ashgabat City Day, the Turkmen Carpet Festival, as well as the opening of social and cultural facilities. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Mammedov reported on preparations for the 81st anniversary of Victory in the World War II. Conferences, exhibitions, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the presentation of gifts to veterans are planned. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on the development of cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region—primarily with China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The President approved a proposal to expand diplomatic presence: Turkmenistan’s ambassadors to India and Malaysia will also be concurrently accredited to the Maldives and the Brunei, respectively. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayram Annaev reported on the training of specialists in the field of communications in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union. The President approved the holding of a joint professional seminar. Concluding the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants and the entire Turkmen people on the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
Magtymguly TSU celebrated Chinese Language Day
24.04.2026Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) marked International Chinese Language Day, which is held annually on 23 April at the initiative of the UN. The festival was organised by the university in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. An exhibition dedicated to Chinese culture was opened at the university, featuring national costumes, calligraphy, paintings, decorative and applied arts, and educational materials. Masterclasses on printmaking and paper cutting were also held. Welcoming speeches were delivered by TSU Rector Orazgeldi Ovezsahedov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the importance of language exchange for the development of cultural ties. Students from the Faculty of Oriental Languages organised a concert featuring songs in Chinese and Turkmen, as well as theatrical performances about Mulan and tea-drinking traditions. The event concluded with the ‘Kushtdepdi’ dance. The celebration was held to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary creator of Chinese writing. The Chinese language remains one of the oldest and is among the official languages of the UN.
Ashgabat will host the OGT 2026 forum for the global energy sector in October
24.04.2026The 31st International Conference and Exhibition ‘Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026’ will take place in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October 2026. Registration is now open, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The forum’s motto is ‘Energy. Partnership. Progress.’ The previous OGT 2025 conference brought together over 1,400 delegates from 70 countries, more than 100 exhibiting companies and 80 speakers. The main topic will be the development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field – one of the largest in the world. Its fourth phase has recently commenced: the new capacity will enable the production of up to 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Also on the agenda are the TAPI gas pipeline, offshore blocks in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, infrastructure modernisation and the diversification of export routes. A separate session will be dedicated to sustainable development: reducing methane emissions, the digitalisation of the industry, hydrogen energy and carbon capture technologies. The programme includes a plenary session, a ministerial round table, panel discussions, industry sessions and an international exhibition. B2B and B2G meetings are planned.
Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the CIS Economic Commission in Moscow
24.04.2026A meeting of the Commission on Economic Issues under the CIS Economic Council was held in Moscow, chaired by B.S. Berdiyev, the representative of Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The participants reviewed the results of the first phase of the CIS Economic Development Strategy and analysed the macroeconomic indicators of the region’s countries for 2025. The Commission approved a number of documents on cooperation in the forestry industry, labour standards and innovative collaboration. The ‘Digital Platform’ project has been granted the status of a CIS technology platform. Recommendations on the mutual recognition of methods for identifying quarantine objects to facilitate trade between member states were also agreed. Most of the materials considered will be submitted for approval to the CIS Economic Council in June. The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for 26 May 2026.
A Turkmen delegation attended an industrial forum in Tashkent
24.04.2026From 20 to 22 April, a Turkmen delegation led by B. Tatov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction of Turkmenistan, took part in the 6th International Industrial Exhibition ‘INNOPROM. Central Asia’ in Tashkent. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. As part of the exhibition, the delegation took part in the first meeting of the Ministers of Industry of the Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation. The parties discussed industrial cooperation, the implementation of joint projects and the training of personnel for the industrial sector.
The Turkmen Ambassador discussed digitalisation and the economy with the Japanese minister
24.04.2026On 23 April, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Japan, A. Bayramov, met in Tokyo with the Minister in charge for Growth Strategy and Social Security Reforms of Japan, Minoru Kiuchi, who is a member of the Japan-Turkmenistan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Minister noted the importance of joint economic projects involving Japanese companies in Turkmenistan, and also expressed interest in increasing the number of Turkmen youth studying the Japanese language. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, ‘green’ technologies, education, as well as economic and cyber security.
The OSCE held a lecture on public speaking for Turkmen students
23.04.2026On 20 April, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a lecture entitled ‘The art of public speaking to promote the economic and environmental agenda’ for 50 students from Turkmen universities studying economics, finance, international relations and environmental studies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The session was led by an international expert and a national trainer. It was designed to develop public speaking and presentation skills, with a focus on economic and environmental topics, as well as the use of effective communication formats. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of public speaking, practical techniques for holding the audience’s attention and adapting presentations to different groups of listeners, including the use of digital tools and the correct choice of terminology. During the session, students prepared group presentations, delivered talks and took part in discussions and a question-and-answer session. The event took place at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and brought together students from several of the country’s leading universities.
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