News
Turkmenistan and the UN discussed cooperation on human rights
01.07.2026On 30 June, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, M. Byashimova, held a meeting with Pavlo Byalyk, Regional Adviser on the Universal Periodic Review at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This was reported by the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as collaboration within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan regards the Universal Periodic Review as an important international mechanism for improving state policy in the field of human rights and attaches great importance to its partnership with the UN OHCHR. The participants also reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation, including the exchange of experience, expert support and the implementation of joint initiatives within the framework of cooperation with the UN.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a message of congratulations to the Governor-General of Canada
01.07.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has extended his congratulations to the Governor General of Canada, Louise Arbour, and the people of Canada on Canada Day. This was reported by the online news site AsmanNews. In his message of congratulations, the Head of State wished Louise Arbour good health, happiness and well-being, and the people of Canada peace, continued progress and prosperity.
Turkmenistan and Iran are expanding their cooperation in the fields of media and cultural exchange
01.07.2026A meeting took place in Ashgabat between Annasahet Kakayev, Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, and Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of television, radio and cinema, as well as the expansion of cultural exchanges and joint projects. The negotiations took place on the basis of the existing memorandum between the relevant Turkmen ministry and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which established a regular exchange of informational, educational and scientific-technical content. Particular attention was paid to the prospect of co-producing films and television programmes reflecting the cultural heritage of both countries. The meeting reaffirmed Ashgabat and Tehran’s commitment to further deepening media cooperation and strengthening humanitarian ties.
Lecturers from a Turkmen university took part in an environmental forum in Bishkek
01.07.2026Lecturers from the Magtymguly Turkmen State University took part in the closing session of an international environmental project, held on 22–26 June 2026 in Bishkek. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Discussions focused on the development of higher education in the field of water resource management to strengthen climate resilience in Central Asia. The event was attended by Sh. Ashirmyradova, Head of the Department of Ecology, and lecturer E. Perdayev. It was organised by the German-Kazakh University in Almaty as part of the ‘ERASMUS+’ programme. A key outcome of the meeting was the review of the results of the ‘HWCA’ project. Participants discussed the introduction of new environmental education programmes, the exchange of academic practices and joint measures to combat climate change. Participation in this initiative contributes to the introduction of modern international approaches into Turkmenistan’s education system.
Turkmenistan and Austria are strengthening their cultural ties
01.07.2026On 30 June, a meeting took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between M.Byashimova, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and N.Berger, Head of the Austrian-Turkmen Society, according to the press office of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties noted the contribution of the Austrian-Turkmen Society to the development of cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to joint cultural initiatives, including the organisation of the Vienna Ball, which help to further strengthen the friendly ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Austria.
A monument to the friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia is to be erected in Ashgabat
01.07.2026There are plans to erect a monument to the friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Russia in Ashgabat. This was announced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during a telephone conversation with Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, reports TDH. Hero Arkadag confirmed the Turkmen side’s readiness to implement a number of joint projects, including the expansion of the A.S. Pushkin Turkmen-Russian School, the establishment of a joint university, the construction of a new building for the Russian Drama Theatre, and the erection of a monument to friendship. During the conversation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue between the two countries and spoke highly of Matvienko’s contribution to strengthening international cooperation. The parties agreed to continue their joint work in the socio-political and humanitarian spheres.
The Turkmenistan national team performed well at the Asian and Oceanian Sambo Championships
01.07.2026The Turkmenistan national team performed successfully at the Asian and Oceanian Sambo and Combat Sambo Championships, which took place in Manila (Philippines). This was reported by the news website Asmannews. A total of 343 athletes from 19 countries took part in the tournament. The Turkmenistan team won a total of 16 medals: 4 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze. The winners of the competition were Jasur Dovrankuliyev, Alihan Aydogdyev, Huseyin Begenjov and Sapar Dovletov, who triumphed in the senior category. Silver medals were won by Serdar Sheripov, Annamuhammet Annamuhamedov, Myratgeldi Myradov, Hakberdi Jumayev, Babamyrat Bayramov, Isa Geldiyev and Allanazar Orazmuhammedov. The bronze medallists were Ilshat Dovranov, Aymuhammet Gatyev, Muhammetmyrat Babekov, Merdan Myratgeldiyev and Permangeldi Durdyev.
Issues relating to water cooperation and resource management were discussed in Ashgabat
01.07.2026An inter-agency meeting was held in Ashgabat in a hybrid format to mark the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the UNECE Convention on Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Originally a regional legal instrument, it has since taken on global significance and is applied in Central Asia in conjunction with the work of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and bilateral water agreements. The discussion was attended by experts from relevant departments responsible for water supply, irrigation, wastewater treatment, the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the operation of hydraulic structures. A key topic was the coordination of a cross-sectoral approach to integrated water resources management in Turkmenistan. Separate consideration was given to issues relating to the development of irrigation, improving the efficiency of water use and the introduction of modern technologies in water management. Participants also discussed regional cooperation, the digitalisation of the water sector and measures to adapt to climate change. Representatives of the UNECE emphasised the importance of continuing the dialogue and improving the legal and technical mechanisms for water resources management.
A forum entitled ‘Arkadag şäheri – röwşen geljegiň aýdyň ýoly’ was held in Turkmenistan
01.07.2026On 29 June, the Arkadag City District Administration hosted a ceremonial forum entitled ‘Arkadag şäheri – röwşen geljegiň aýdyň ýoly’, marking the third anniversary of the opening of the ‘smart’ city. This was reported by the news agency TDH. The event was attended by representatives of the State Committee for the Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, staff from the city administration, local enterprises and institutions, as well as honoured elders and mothers. Before the forum began, participants viewed an exhibition in the foyer of the city administration building. It showcased products and innovations from various sectors. Particular attention was drawn to the displays showcasing the city’s international awards in the fields of urban development and innovation. The conference began with the reading of an address by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the residents of Arkadag. The message emphasised the significance of the city’s third anniversary for the country’s political, social and cultural life. Forum participants congratulated the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people on the anniversary of the city of Arkadag. The city’s significance as the first ‘smart’ city in the country and the region was highlighted. Wishes for good health and success were expressed to the country’s leadership, along with confidence in the project’s further development. Separately, it was reported that grain farmers in the Ahal velayat had fulfilled their contractual obligations and harvested the wheat crop. Arkadag is presented as a modern ‘smart’ city incorporating digital, information and communication, and ‘green’ technologies. Its architecture combines national traditions with modern urban planning solutions, and its infrastructure meets international standards. According to the Arkadag City Development Concept for 2024–2052, construction of the second phase of projects is continuing, including a children’s park, a mosque and other facilities. It is noted that the mosque currently under construction has been named ‘Arkadagyň ruhy metjidi’ on the initiative of the public and community elders. The city is developing as a centre for charitable activities, including as part of the events marking the anniversary of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation. As part of the first phase of construction, 336 facilities have been commissioned, including residential buildings, educational, medical, cultural and sports institutions, as well as engineering infrastructure. The city has electric transport, ‘smart’ car parks and local media, including a television channel and a newspaper. The ‘Arkadag’ football club is achieving success at both national and international levels. Transport and digital infrastructure are being developed, and CCTV and intelligent traffic management systems have been introduced. Access to high-speed internet is provided via fibre-optic networks and 5G technology. Particular attention is paid to the National Leader’s oversight of construction, whose recommendations are applied during the design and implementation of projects. It was noted that streets and facilities in the city have been named after prominent figures. One of the avenues has been named ‘Ahalteke atlary’, reflecting the region’s historical significance as the homeland of Ahal-Teke horses. In this context, mention was made of the monument to ‘Akhan’, an Ahal-Teke horse listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and the ‘Taýçanak’ monument. At the conclusion of the forum, an Address to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people was adopted. Artists performed during the cultural part of the event. Musical performances emphasised the festive nature of the occasion. The celebrations continued at the ‘Märkaw’ cultural and entertainment centre, where a sadaqah was organised in honour of the city’s anniversary and in support of the initiative to name the new mosque.
Turkmenistan and China have signed new agreements on partnership in education
01.07.2026During the Turkmen delegation’s visit to Urumqi (PRC) to take part in the ‘Central Asia + China’ conference on cooperation in the fields of manufacturing, education, science and practice, agreements were signed in the field of education. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Framework agreements on cooperation in the teaching of the Chinese language were concluded by the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute with the International Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the PRC and Xinjiang Normal University. The agreements provide for the development of joint educational and research projects, the expansion of cultural exchange and the strengthening of a shared educational and information space between the parties.
SINOPEC has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in Turkmenistan over the past four years
01.07.2026The Turkmenistan branch of the International Oilfield Services Company, part of the Chinese petrochemical corporation SINOPEC, has produced over 1 million tonnes of oil in four years. The value of the work carried out amounted to approximately 200 million US dollars, according to the online news site AsmanNews. The project is being implemented under a contract with the State Concern ‘Türkmennebit’. The introduction of modern technologies has enabled an increase in daily oil production of more than 1,500 tonnes. The company carries out a range of oilfield services, including sidetracking, directional and horizontal drilling, well workover, acid and water-blocking treatments, as well as the modernisation of surface and downhole equipment. In addition to projects at the ‘Türkmennebit’ fields, the SINOPEC branch participated in work at the Shatlyk, Dovletabat, Yashyldepe and Bagtyyarlyk fields. Drilling operations, well workover and measures to increase oil and gas production were carried out there. The newspaper ‘Biznes reklama’ notes that these achievements strengthen SINOPEC’s position in Central Asia and expand opportunities for cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue introducing technologies, improving the efficiency of field development and implementing new projects in Turkmenistan.
A Korean journalist visited the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
30.06.2026A meeting was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with journalist Seong Do Hyeon from the Korean news agency Yonhap News. The event was attended by analysts from the Center for Strategic Relations and faculty members of the institute, according to the “Turkmenistan: Golden Age” news agency. Before the discussion began, Vice-Rector of the institute Gaygysyz Dovletov briefed the guest on the organization and specifics of the academic process. The journalist then visited the institute’s museum, where he was introduced to the history of diplomatic education in Turkmenistan, as well as exhibitions reflecting the country’s historical heritage and cultural landmarks. During the meeting, lecturers and staff of the Center for Strategic Studies answered questions from the Yonhap News representative regarding the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Korean interstate relations. Senior researcher of the Center for Strategic Studies B. Amansaryyev also spoke about a recent conference of analysts held in Dushanbe within the framework of the “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” format. He emphasized the importance of the event for strengthening cooperation between the countries of the region and the Republic of Korea, including Turkmenistan. The meeting took place in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere.
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