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Representatives from Turkmenistan discussed issues relating to migration cooperation in Vienna
04.07.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by the Deputy Chair of the State Migration Service, took part in the second meeting of senior officials of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling, which took place on 1 July in Vienna. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Participants discussed issues of regional and international cooperation in the field of migration management, as well as safe, orderly and legal migration. Following the meeting, a draft Work Plan of the Global Alliance for 2026–2028, aimed at developing multilateral cooperation, was reviewed, according to the website of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its healthcare system and disease prevention measures
03.07.2026Turkmenistan is implementing a comprehensive state policy in the field of healthcare, aimed at improving the quality of life of the population and developing the public health system. Healthcare has been identified as one of the country’s national development priorities and is regarded as the foundation of social well-being and sustainable development, according to the news agency TDH. The state policy is based on ensuring equal access for the population to high-quality medical care. Measures are being implemented to prevent diseases, ensure early diagnosis and promote a healthy lifestyle. Particular attention is being paid to combating non-communicable diseases. The country has a National Strategy for 2026–2030 in place, aimed at strengthening the public health system and preventing diseases. Previously, the Ashgabat Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases was adopted in Ashgabat, forming the basis for international cooperation in this field. Furthermore, a significant part of the work is being carried out under the ‘Saglyk’ state programme, which provides for the modernisation of the healthcare system, the construction of medical centres and the introduction of innovative technologies. Healthcare infrastructure is being developed, the network of medical facilities is expanding, and staff training and international cooperation are being strengthened. Preventive measures include promoting a healthy lifestyle, developing mass participation in sport, reducing risk factors and conducting regular medical check-ups. Particular attention is being paid to environmental aspects, the quality of food and water, and reducing the impact of environmental factors on public health. International organisations, including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Development Programme, are involved in implementing healthcare programmes. The Strategy for 2026–2030 provides for the development of primary health care, the introduction of digital technologies, the expansion of telemedicine and the strengthening of the material and technical base of healthcare facilities. The document also aims to advance medical science, train specialists, improve disease surveillance and ensure patients have access to essential medicines. A separate focus is on information and education campaigns and raising public awareness of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases. It is expected that this set of measures will reduce morbidity rates and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.
A wrestler from Turkmenistan won silver at the U20 Asian Championships
03.07.2026Turkmen athlete Aslan Agaddayev has won a silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships for athletes aged 20 and under, which are being held in Pattaya (Thailand). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen athlete competed in the Greco-Roman wrestling event in the under-130 kg weight category. He confidently reached the final, where he finished second following the decisive bout. The U20 Asian Championships in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling brought together the continent’s strongest junior wrestlers. The participants are competing for medals and ranking positions in their respective weight categories. Agaddayev’s silver medal was one of the best results achieved by the Turkmenistan national team at the tournament and confirmed the high standard of training among the country’s young athletes.
Turkmenistan took part in an OSCE meeting on human rights
03.07.2026From 29 to 30 June 2026, a representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the Supplementary Meeting on the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which was held in Vienna (Republic of Austria). This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. During the event, participants discussed issues relating to the protection of human rights and freedoms, the improvement of the judicial and legal system, and the provision of legal safeguards for individuals in accordance with international standards. The importance of incorporating the provisions of United Nations conventions into national legislation, as well as exchanging experience in this field, was highlighted. It was emphasised that human rights and dignity form the basis of sustainable development and a just society, and also contribute to strengthening international and regional cooperation. The meeting continued in breakout sessions. Discussions centred on the transparency and fairness of investigative and judicial procedures, the development of dialogue with international organisations, and improving the effectiveness of human rights training programmes for law enforcement and judicial officials. As a result, further areas for cooperation were identified, taking into account the proposals and experience of international bodies.
Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organisation discussed cooperation
03.07.2026On 2 July, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Corinne Vargha, Director of the Department of International Labour Standards at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state of affairs and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO. They noted the importance of implementing the Roadmap for Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ILO for 2026, as well as cooperation in the areas of improving labour legislation, developing social partnership and implementing international labour standards. It was emphasised that matters relating to cooperation with the ILO form part of the agenda of the Interdepartmental Commission for Ensuring the Fulfilment of Turkmenistan’s International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Turkmenistan’s commitment to the obligations arising from its membership of the ILO was reaffirmed. The meeting participants also discussed expanding project-based cooperation with specialised UN agencies, including the ILO, and considered the possibility of opening an ILO office in Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the National Centre of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan and the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), aimed at developing social dialogue and promoting international labour standards. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing their partnership in areas of mutual interest.
A new UN Resident Coordinator has been appointed in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Xiaojun Grace Wang as the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan. She took up her post on 1 July, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Xiaojun Grace Wang has 28 years’ experience in the field of international development. She has held senior positions, specialising in sustainable development, multilateral cooperation and resource mobilisation for global initiatives. Prior to her appointment, she headed a trust fund at the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, where she was responsible for programmes supporting sustainable development. She has also worked for research organisations, foundations and media organisations in countries across Asia and Europe. Her experience is expected to help strengthen cooperation between the UN and Turkmenistan in the field of sustainable development.
The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan
03.07.2026The World Bank has confirmed its readiness to support key projects in Turkmenistan in the water resources and transport sectors. This was stated in a press release from the organisation’s regional office for Europe and Central Asia following a meeting in Tashkent between World Bank Vice-President Antonella Bassani and Merdanguly Palivanov, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The parties discussed the implementation of a framework cooperation programme setting out the main areas of collaboration between the World Bank and Turkmenistan. The Bank expressed its support for the country’s national priorities, including the development of infrastructure and the water sector. The meeting took place as part of a visit by a World Bank delegation to Uzbekistan to attend a meeting of the ‘Swiss Group’ of founding member countries. The World Bank had previously stepped up its activities in Central Asia by approving funding for the restoration of the Northern Aral Sea ecosystem and launching a regional energy programme worth $1 billion.
Turkmen students are undertaking training in South Korea
03.07.2026Six students from the Korean Language Department of the Faculty of Oriental Languages and Literature at the Dowletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages are undertaking a study placement at Kangwon National University in Chuncheon (Republic of Korea). This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The placement is taking place from 29 June to 6 July as part of a memorandum of understanding on scientific and educational cooperation between the two universities. The programme aims to improve students’ knowledge of the Korean language, develop their practical skills and familiarise them with the culture of the Republic of Korea. The cooperation provides for the further development of joint educational and scientific projects, the organisation of international conferences, the professional development of teaching staff, the development of teaching materials and the expansion of academic exchanges. The implementation of such initiatives contributes to the professional development of students and the strengthening of scientific and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
China has opened a new rail freight route to Turkmenistan
03.07.2026China has opened a new direct rail freight route from Xining (Qinghai Province) to the Balkan velayat in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The first train, carrying 55 containers loaded with electrical goods, car parts, clothing and everyday consumer goods, has already set off. The route passes through the Khorgos border crossing and across Kazakhstan, with delivery taking around 14–15 days. The new line will provide a direct rail link between Qinghai Province and Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which is expected to reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade ties with Central Asia.
Turkmen students are honing their professional skills in Germany
02.07.2026Students from the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages are undertaking a placement in Germany as part of an academic partnership with Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. From 29 June to 12 July, 15 students specialising in ‘German’ at the Faculty of European Languages and Literature are honing their language and teaching skills by taking part in a 72-hour practical training programme. The internship is aimed at developing practical proficiency in German, familiarising students with modern teaching methods and strengthening academic cooperation between the universities. The programme also contributes to expanding academic contacts, promoting academic mobility and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Turkmenistan and Germany.
The Kenyan Ambassador presented his credentials to the Mejlis of Turkmenistan
02.07.2026On 1 July, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, D. Gulmanova, received the credentials from Jonah Maina Mwangi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency TDH. During the ceremony, the Speaker of the National Parliament congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and wished him every success in strengthening inter-state cooperation. The Ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov from the leadership of the Republic of Kenya and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations and cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including within the United Nations and other international organisations. The Turkmen side provided information on the country’s foreign policy and the activities of the Mejlis aimed at improving the legislative framework. Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with countries on the African continent was noted. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen their partnership. Kenyan Ambassador Jonah Maina Mwangi stated that it was an honour for him to represent his country in Turkmenistan and expressed his intention to promote the development of bilateral relations.
Ashgabat hosts seminar for media representatives
02.07.2026A seminar was held at the UN building in Ashgabat for media representatives, content creators and staff of government press services, focusing on the coverage of disability issues in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden Age’. Ksenia Siminchuk from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Moldova served as an expert at the seminar. She shared her experience of applying a human rights-based approach and emphasised the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us’, which provides for the participation of people with disabilities in the development of decisions affecting their interests. Participants discussed the importance of appropriate terminology in the media, issues of inclusive communication, the information needs of people with disabilities, and communication ethics. A UNICEF publication was also presented: a guide to communication in the field of mental health and a glossary of professional terminology for journalists and content creators. The practical part included an online ‘Living Book’ session, during which Viktor Izbash, project coordinator for inclusive education, and activist Diana Jalbă spoke about the media’s influence on perceptions of people with disabilities. The organisers noted that the use of inclusive communication principles and professional terminology helps foster a respectful attitude towards people with disabilities.
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