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Turkmenistan to participate in Caspian Region Transport Forum
05.01.2026On 15–16 April 2026, Astrakhan will host the 5th International Forum ‘Transport Logistics of the Caspian Region 2025.’ The agenda includes the development of the ‘North–South’ corridor and coordination of actions between the Caspian countries, including Turkmenistan. This was reported by Orient. Special attention will be paid to issues of cross-border cooperation, simplification of document flow and settlements with Central Asian countries, as well as increasing the throughput capacity of ports and the railway network. Participation in the forum is of practical importance for Turkmenistan. The country is developing the capacity of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and land routes within the ‘North-South’ corridor. Discussions with Caspian partners will allow for the synchronisation of logistics solutions and the strengthening of transit potential. The forum programme consists of two stages. Business visits to logistics facilities in the Astrakhan region are scheduled for 15 April. A plenary session with representatives of ports, shipping companies, railway operators and investors will be held on 16 April.
The President of Turkmenistan received New Year's greetings from foreign leaders
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received congratulatory messages on the occasion of the New Year 2026 from foreign leaders. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq sent New Year's greetings to the Head of State. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his wishes. In addition, a congratulatory letter was received from Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Fahd Al-Said. In his message, he expressed his wishes for health and well-being to the President of Turkmenistan and for progress and prosperity to the Turkmen people, noting his intention to continue developing friendly relations between the countries.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his anniversary
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted the steady development of Turkmen-German relations and confirmed his interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished Frank-Walter Steinmeier good health and success in his public service for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The President of Turkmenistan sent congratulations to the President of Switzerland
05.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his congratulations to Guy Parmelin on his inauguration as President of the Swiss Confederation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted this event and expressed his wishes for good health, personal well-being and success in his new position in the interests of the further development and prosperity of the Swiss Confederation.
Ashgabat to host international textile industry exhibition
04.01.2026From 4 to 6 June, Ashgabat will host the international exhibition ‘TurkmenTextile Expo-2026’. The event is organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. The exhibition will cover a wide range of areas, including textile equipment, natural fibre processing, clothing and footwear manufacturing, home textiles, spare parts and auxiliary materials. Chemicals and dyes, accessories, fittings and the latest technologies, including industry know-how, will also be presented. The exhibition will serve as a platform for demonstrating the potential of Turkmenistan's textile industry and strengthening international cooperation. Participants and guests will be able to learn about innovative developments, establish business contacts and discuss prospects for joint projects and further cooperation in the industry.
Turkmenistan and EIB make progress in negotiations on framework agreement
04.01.2026Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Division for Central Asia, announced progress in negotiations on a Framework Agreement with Turkmenistan, which could pave the way for the EIB to start operating in the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. In addition, E. Bumsteinas noted that the EIB has named 2025 as a key year for the development of EU cooperation with Central Asian countries and announced its intention to increase its activity in the region in 2026. In 2025, the bank increased its financing of projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure, digital connectivity and climate resilience as part of the Global Gateway initiative. In 2026, the bank plans to open its first regional office in Tashkent. The EIB also emphasised the strategic importance of Central Asia for the EU in terms of transport connectivity, energy security and climate policy.
Turkmenistan approves new procedure for registering refugees
04.01.2026The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan has approved an updated procedure for registering and recording persons who have applied for refugee status or subsidiary protection, as well as those who have already been granted such status. This was reported by IIC. According to the new requirements, foreign citizens entering the country with the specified status are required to undergo migration registration within three working days of crossing the border. Registration is carried out at the place of permanent or temporary residence, subject to the availability of supporting documents. The document also provides for the introduction of a state information system for migration registration. The system will collect and store personal and biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints. A separate set of rules concerns the obligations of the host party — hotels, medical institutions and other organisations. They are required to inform the migration authorities of the arrival and departure of foreign citizens no later than within 24 hours. For cases of mass arrival of persons in emergency situations, a simplified mechanism for registration at temporary accommodation points has been established, followed by migration registration for a period of up to three months. It is noted that the new procedure has been developed in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan ‘On Refugees’ and is aimed at improving the efficiency of the migration control and registration system.
Midfielder for the Turkmenistan national team transferred to FC ‘Arkadag’
03.01.202625-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev of the Turkmenistan national team has officially become a player for the ‘Arkadag’ football club. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Last season, M. Diniyev played for Kyrgyzstan's ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’, based in Kara-Balta. He played 12 matches and scored two goals. The player's market value is estimated at €150,000. It is worth noting that in the 1/8 finals of the AFC Champions League 2, ‘Arkadag’ football club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, which includes world stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Turkmenistan discussed the development of livestock farming within the framework of the LEAP programme
03.01.2026Online seminars on the LEAP (Partnership for Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance) programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), were held for teachers and students of the Veterinary Faculty of the S.A. Niyazov Turkmen Agricultural University. This was reported by IIC. The events were devoted to assessing the environmental impact of livestock farming and finding sustainable solutions that take into account national characteristics. The training ended with a face-to-face meeting with international experts, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan. Participants noted the active implementation of the LEAP initiative in Central Asia and its focus on sustainable land use and ecosystem services in livestock farming — from food production and breed conservation to organic waste processing. Issues of veterinary safety, vaccination, pasture restoration and the need for integrated natural resource management were also discussed.
The dates for the matches between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in the AFC Champions League 2 have been set
03.01.2026The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the dates and times for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches. Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will play Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 and 18 February, according to Turkmenportal. The first match will take place on 11 February at the ‘Arkadag’ Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,000 spectators. Kick-off is at 18:45 Ashgabat time. The return leg will be held on 18 February in Riyadh and will start at 21:15. In the group stage, ‘Al-Nassr’ took first place in Group D, winning six matches out of six with a goal difference of 22:2. ‘Arkadag’ finished second in Group B with one win, four draws and one defeat, with a goal difference of 5:6. The winner of the match will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the ‘Al-Zawraa’ (Iraq) vs. ‘Al-Wasl’ (UAE) match.
Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States noted Turkmenistan's role in the region
03.01.2026The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, sent a New Year's message to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, he noted Turkmenistan's contribution to the development of cooperation and strengthening of mutual understanding in the Turkic world, as well as the role of the President of Turkmenistan in promoting dialogue and expanding cooperation between Turkic states. Kubanychbek Omuraliyev emphasised the significance of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, which was celebrated in 2025, pointing to the country's role in promoting peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the region. The Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation within the organisation and wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and the Turkmen people peace and prosperity.
The President of Palestine emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan's neutrality
03.01.2026President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas sent New Year's greetings to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. This is stated in a congratulatory message from the Head of the Palestinian State, reports TDH. In his address, Mahmoud Abbas noted Turkmenistan's achievements over the past year and emphasised the significance of the United Nations General Assembly's decision to declare 2025 the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’. According to him, this initiative reflects international recognition of Turkmenistan's foreign policy aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and the development of multilateral dialogue. The President of the State of Palestine also congratulated Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution on the country's permanent neutrality. He noted the special role of 12 December 1995 in strengthening Turkmenistan's international authority. In conclusion, Mahmoud Abbas wished the President of Turkmenistan good health and longevity, and the Turkmen people peace, well-being and prosperity.
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