News
The American public will be introduced to the work of a Turkmen composer
06.07.2026On 17 July, the ‘Vocal Poetry’ concert will take place in the US state of Pennsylvania, at which 22-year-old baritone Xavier Bates will perform a song cycle by the outstanding Turkmen composer Nury Halmamedov. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Pianist Bahar Annadurdyeva — a laureate of the ‘Sounds of the Dutar’ Festival named after Nury Halmamedov — will accompany him on the piano. The concert is organised by the Keystone Music Academy with the support of its director, Andrei Lyubimtsev. The programme also includes romances by Sergei Rachmaninoff. According to Xavier Bates, discovering Halmamedov’s work was a real revelation for him, and Bahar Annadurdyeva helped him prepare for the performance. The pianist is actively promoting Turkmen classical music in the USA. She is currently working on organ arrangements of works by Nury Halmamedov, and previously presented the world premiere in Pennsylvania of Mamed Huseynov’s composition ‘Paraphrase’ based on themes from the opera ‘Solomon’.
Turkmenistan implements a project to utilise solar energy in the healthcare sector
06.07.2026UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, has completed a pilot project to install two solar photovoltaic systems at the etrap hospital in the city of Yoloten, Mary velayat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The project aims to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to the medical facility and will serve as a model for the introduction of renewable energy sources at other healthcare facilities across the country. The use of solar energy will improve the reliability of hospital operations and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly social infrastructure.
The UN Secretary-General has appointed a new Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan
06.07.2026UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with the consent of the Government of Turkmenistan, has appointed the Chinese representative Xiaojun Grace Wang as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient. She took up her post on 1 July 2026, succeeding Dmitry Shlapachenko, who had led the mission since 2021 and has now been appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. Xiaojun Grace Wang has 28 years’ experience in the field of international development. Prior to her appointment in Ashgabat, she managed a Trust Fund at the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and previously held senior positions at UNDP, overseeing programmes on poverty reduction, gender equality and sustainable development. The new coordinator has experience of working with landlocked developing countries and has also previously worked in international media, academia and foundations. She holds a PhD from the University of London in education and international development.
A formal reception was held in Ashgabat to mark Belarus’s Independence Day
05.07.2026A ceremony organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Turkmenistan to mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Government of Turkmenistan, the business community, civil society organisations and the creative intelligentsia. Stanislav Chepurnoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming address. The diplomat noted the historical significance of 3 July — the day Minsk was liberated from the Nazi invaders in 1944 — emphasising the contribution of the Turkmen people to the Victory and the post-war reconstruction of Belarus. The Ambassador also spoke about the development of Belarusian-Turkmen cooperation. According to him, Turkmenistan will hold the chairmanship of the CIS in 2026, and in the autumn Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth, which Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is expected to attend. Cooperation continues in the fields of trade, science, technology and education. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the participants were welcomed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Annayev. In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the prospects for further cooperation between the two countries, including in the fields of transport and logistics, digital technologies and innovation. Following the official proceedings, a concert programme took place featuring Turkmen artists and an orchestra conducted by Resul Klychev. The musicians performed Turkmen and Belarusian pieces, including well-known songs from the repertoires of the ensembles ‘Pesnyary’, ‘Syabry’ and ‘Verasy’. The event concluded with a celebratory reception.
A group of students from Kangwon National University arrived in Ashgabat
05.07.2026Lee Won-jae, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, hosted an official luncheon in honour of six students from Kangwon National University who had arrived in Ashgabat. The visit formed part of this year’s first short-term exchange programme between Kangwon National University and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, according to IIC Turkmenistan. According to the source, the project is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding on academic and educational cooperation, signed in 2025. According to the source, the South Korean students are in Ashgabat from 30 June to 6 July. The programme involves studying the Turkmen language and interacting with students from the Faculty of Korean Language and Literature at the Dovletmammet Azadi National Institute of World Languages. At the same time, six Turkmen students are taking part in a similar exchange programme at Kangwon National University in the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador expressed his hope that learning about the culture and traditions of Turkmenistan would enable the South Korean students to gain a better understanding of both countries. He also urged young people to maintain their interest in the development of Turkmen-South Korean relations.
The ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition will take place in Turkmenistan
05.07.2026At a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, held via video conference, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a proposal to organise the ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition for innovative projects. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev delivered a report, noting that the competition aims to identify and support talented young people engaged in software development and innovation. In 2026, the competition will feature the following categories: artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, digital medicine, education and e-learning, Smart City, ‘smart’ agricultural technologies and service systems. The most promising developments are planned to be integrated into the digitalisation of the national economy. The results of the competition and the award ceremony for the winners will take place as part of the ‘Türkmentel – 2026’ International Exhibition and Scientific Conference. Having heard the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that work is continuing in the country on the transition to a digital economy, emphasising the contribution of young people to the implementation of these programmes. The Head of State instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure a high standard of organisation for the ‘Digital Solution – 2026’ competition.
Production at the ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ plant in Turkmenistan is set to expand
05.07.2026On 3 July, Baymyrat Annamammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, reported during a government meeting on measures to expand production at the enterprises of the state-owned concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’, including the ‘Balkanabat’ iodine plant. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. It was noted that, with a view to developing the country’s chemical industry and making more efficient use of local raw materials, new, modern enterprises based on innovative technologies are being established, whilst cooperation with foreign partners is being strengthened. The Deputy Prime Minister submitted the relevant proposal to the Head of State for consideration. Having heard the report, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasised the importance of developing the chemical industry and export-oriented production, approved the initiative to establish a new, modern facility at the ‘Balkanabat’ iodine plant, and issued relevant instructions.
The Chinese Ambassador spoke about the progress made in Turkmen-Chinese relations
04.07.2026The Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, stated that Turkmen-Chinese relations have reached a new level due to active high-level contacts and successful cooperation in various fields. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. According to the Ambassador, a new phase of cooperation following 2012 has given further impetus to the development of bilateral ties, with the most notable results being achieved in the energy sector. The diplomat recalled this year’s visit to China by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and his negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which resulted in the identification of key areas for further cooperation. Furthermore, in April, Ding Xuexiang, Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, visited Turkmenistan with a view to implementing the agreements reached. According to the Ambassador, the visit contributed to the development of cooperation not only in the energy sector, but also in non-resource sectors and in the humanitarian sphere.
Three universities in Turkmenistan have been included in the ‘THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026’ ranking
04.07.2026Three universities in Turkmenistan have been included in the eighth edition of the international ‘THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026’ ranking, compiled by the British organisation ‘Times Higher Education’ (THE). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The universities included in the ranking are the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. According to the 2026 assessment, Turkmen universities have improved their positions, demonstrating achievements across nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, affordable and clean energy, innovation and infrastructure. A total of 1,646 universities from 116 countries worldwide were included in the ranking.
Turkmenistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation
04.07.2026On 3 July, as part of his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited the ‘Sarvestan’ Palace in the ‘Saadabad’ complex, where negotiations were held with President Masoud Pezeshkian. This was reported by the news agency TDH. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, welcoming the distinguished guest, emphasised the importance of developing multifaceted cooperation with Turkmenistan. Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his confidence that the visit would give further impetus to bilateral relations. Hero Arkadag thanked him for his hospitality and noted the high level of inter-state dialogue, based on the principles of good neighbourliness and mutual respect. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conveyed greetings and best wishes to Masoud Pezeshkian from the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In response, the President of Iran extended his best wishes to the leadership of Turkmenistan and noted the dynamic development of the bilateral partnership. During the negotiations, it was emphasised that strengthening relations with neighbouring states is a key priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, which is based on the principles of positive neutrality, good-neighbourliness and international cooperation. The parties noted the long-standing nature of their relations, based on mutual goodwill, and expressed their confidence that the meeting would lay the foundations for the further development of Turkmen-Iranian cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen friendly and fraternal ties across a wide range of areas and exchanged mutual good wishes.
A meeting on Turkmen-Austrian cooperation took place in Ashgabat
04.07.2026A business meeting dedicated to the development of relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Austria was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel in Ashgabat. The event took place in a hybrid format: representatives of the Turkmen business community and government bodies attended in person, whilst Austrian companies joined online, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Neda Berger, Head of the Turkmen-Austrian Society, addressed the meeting. Participants discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation, noting its consistent development and positive momentum. Particular attention was paid to promising joint projects, the introduction of innovations and the expansion of business contacts across various sectors of the economy. Separately, the participants congratulated Neda Berger on being awarded the Golden Decoration of Merit of the Federal State of Vienna. Her contribution to the development of Turkmen-Austrian relations was highlighted. The parties reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen economic and cultural cooperation.
The Consul-General of Turkmenistan in Turkey held negotiations with the leadership of the OTS
04.07.2026On 2 July 2026, a meeting took place in Istanbul between Ovezgeldi Jumanazarov, Consul-General of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey (Istanbul), and Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Turkic States. The negotiations took place at the Secretariat of the Organisation of Turkic States, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. The parties discussed ways of strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States, as well as prospects for expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the further development of their partnership. The importance of regular dialogue in strengthening friendship, good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation was emphasised.
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